10 Professional Tips for Landscaping Around Trees
Published: 13 November 2024
Landscaping around trees adds depth, beauty, and dimension to any garden, but it requires thoughtful planning to ensure trees stay healthy. By following expert tips, you can enhance your outdoor space with a design that benefits trees and surrounding plants.
In this article, the professionals at Forbes Tree Care share their insights on how to landscape effectively around trees
1. Assess Your Tree’s Health and Root System
Before starting any landscaping project, assess your tree’s health and root structure. A healthy tree with a strong root system provides a solid foundation for surrounding plants, while an unhealthy tree can complicate landscaping efforts. Start by inspecting for signs of decay or pests, and consult an arborist if you spot any issues.
Understanding root spread is also essential. For large trees, roots can extend far beyond the canopy, so avoid digging close to the base to prevent accidental damage. Planning your landscaping around the tree’s drip line helps you avoid disturbing these critical root zones.
If you suspect that your tree is damaged or causing serious issues, you may need to have it assessed and handled by tree maintenance professionals.
2. Select the Right Shade-Loving Plants
Choosing shade-tolerant plants is crucial when landscaping under trees. Plants like hostas, ferns, astilbes, and coral bells thrive in low light and don’t compete heavily for nutrients. To add ground cover, consider creeping thyme, vinca minor, or pachysandra, which offer texture without overcrowding.
For added visual interest, mix foliage textures with silver-leafed plants like lamb’s ear or ornamental grasses. Shade-tolerant flowers, such as foxglove and columbine, can also bring colour to the shaded areas, enhancing the landscape around larger trees.
3. Apply Organic Mulch Properly
Organic mulch, like wood chips or pine bark, supports landscaping around trees by helping to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weeds. As it decomposes, it also nourishes the soil. However, it’s important to apply mulch carefully to avoid harming the tree.
For best results, spread a 2–4-inch layer of mulch around the tree’s drip line, leaving a few inches of space around the base to prevent rot and pests.
4. Avoid Mulch and Soil Volcanoes
A common mistake is creating a “mulch volcano” by piling mulch too high around the tree’s trunk. Excess mulch can trap moisture against the bark, leading to rot and attracting pests. Instead, keep mulch level around the root zone, allowing for better aeration and drainage, which is essential for the health of tree roots.
5. Use Hardscaping Elements Carefully
Hardscaping elements like retaining walls or stone edging add structure to landscapes around trees. However, placing heavy stones too close to the trunk can compact soil, disrupting root health. Choose lightweight materials and position hardscape elements at a safe distance.
Consider using a low stone wall to define garden spaces while protecting the tree roots. For pathways, gravel or stepping stones offer easy access without compacting the soil.
6. Add Ground Covers for Weed Control and Aesthetics
Ground covers like ivy, vinca minor, or creeping juniper add a lush, low-maintenance option for landscaping under trees, naturally suppressing weeds and reducing upkeep. When selecting ground covers, choose varieties suited to shade and low-water conditions to ensure they thrive under the tree’s canopy.
In addition to aesthetics, ground covers help stabilise the soil, protecting tree roots from erosion. With the right plants, you can achieve a harmonious, natural look that complements the tree without competing for nutrients.
7. Consider Decking or Patios Around Trees Mindfully
Decking or patios around trees can add functional outdoor space and aesthetic value. Raised decking is especially tree-friendly as it allows roots to breathe while providing space for seating or gathering. When building decks, leave enough room around the trunk to accommodate future growth and avoid root restriction. Browse decking inspiration here.
It is recommended to use adjustable panels or leave small gaps for the trunk’s natural expansion. For small trees, patio pavers or gravel paths can be more suitable, creating an elegant look without disturbing the soil as much and providing the ideal solution for placing decking around a tree.
8. Use Landscape Fabric with Caution
While landscape fabric is often used for weed control, it may restrict water and airflow to tree roots over time. If you choose to use it, ensure you leave gaps around the root zone to prevent suffocation of the roots. Alternatively, consider organic mulch, which allows water to permeate and provides essential nutrients as it decomposes.
9. Enhance Curb Appeal with Seasonal Planting
Adding seasonal plants around a tree base brings colour and interest year-round. Low-growing flowers like violas, pansies, or primroses add vibrant colours without disrupting the tree’s resources. For an evolving landscape, consider rotating seasonal plants such as daffodils in spring or heuchera in autumn, matching the garden’s aesthetic as seasons change.
Be careful not to overcrowd the base, as trees need room for root expansion. By keeping plants at a moderate distance, you can enjoy year-round beauty without impacting tree health.
10. Practise Regular Maintenance and Monitoring
Routine maintenance is essential to keep your tree landscaping in top condition. Refresh mulch annually, remove weeds and monitor for signs of plant or tree stress, such as wilting or discolouration. Regular monitoring ensures the tree and surrounding plants remain healthy and balanced, preserving your landscape’s beauty over time.
Regular checks help maintain a harmonious environment, allowing your landscape to flourish in line with sustainable gardening practices.
Get more tree care tips here.
Keeping Your Garden In Top Shape
Thoughtful landscaping around trees can transform your garden while supporting tree health. By selecting suitable plants, using mulch effectively and carefully planning hardscape elements, you can create a beautiful and functional landscape.
With this advice, you’ll be well-equipped to create a balanced, tree-friendly outdoor space that aligns with eco-conscious values. Whether you're a DIY gardener or a professional, these strategies should help you to build a smarter approach to gardening and landscaping, ensuring your outdoor spaces are as healthy as possible.
Author Bio
Sean Galton founded Forbes Tree Care in 2010. Since then, he’s led a skilled team of tree surgeons to serve the North London area with sustainable tree management practices that prioritise saving and maintaining healthy trees. He’s passionate about helping trees thrive, reducing carbon emissions and finding new and interesting ways to recycle tree products.
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