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Writer's pictureJoseph Truskowski

Landscaping Around Trees: 10 Creative Ideas for Planting Under and Around Trees

Planting under and around trees can enhance your landscape while keeping the trees healthy. But, designing these areas requires some thought to ensure that the roots have enough space and moisture, and that both the tree and the surrounding plants thrive. Here are ten landscaping ideas for creating beautiful, low-maintenance areas around trees.


1. Mulching for a Natural Look


Benefits: Mulching is one of the best ways to protect tree roots and keep moisture in the soil. Use organic mulch like wood chips or bark, which decomposes over time, adding nutrients to the soil.

Tip: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk to avoid rot. Mulch can help suppress weeds and add a polished look to your landscape.


2. Create a Raised Planting Bed


Benefits: Raised beds can add structure and color under trees without disturbing their roots.

Tip: Use lightweight soil and plant shallow-rooted plants that won’t compete with the tree. Avoid building the bed too high, as this can suffocate tree roots.


3. Use Ground Covers for Color and Texture


Benefits: Ground covers like hostas, ferns, and periwinkle are shade-loving and grow well around tree trunks.

Tip: Choose native or low-maintenance ground covers for easy upkeep. Ground covers are ideal for preventing soil erosion and adding lush greenery to your landscape.


4. Plant Shade-Tolerant Flowers


Benefits: Add pops of color around your trees by planting flowers that thrive in low light, like astilbes, impatiens, and bleeding hearts.

Tip: Group flowers in clusters around the base of the tree for a balanced, natural look. Avoid planting too close to the trunk to protect the tree’s health.


5. Add a Tree Ring Border


Benefits: A decorative tree ring made of stone, brick, or wood creates a tidy border and separates the tree area from the lawn or garden.

Tip: Keep the ring large enough to accommodate tree roots. Tree rings help define the space, making your tree area a focal point in the landscape.


6. Layered Planting for Depth and Dimension


Benefits: Use a mix of heights and plant types to create a layered look, such as placing taller shrubs in the back and shorter perennials or ground covers in the front.

Tip: Choose shade-loving plants like azaleas or hydrangeas for height and shorter plants like hostas or coral bells for the foreground.


7. Use Moss for a Soft, Green Carpet


Benefits: Moss is a low-maintenance, lush alternative that grows well in shade and moist areas.

Tip: Moss requires very little water and provides a soft, green carpet around the tree. It’s also resistant to pests and diseases, making it a sustainable choice for tree landscaping.


8. Create a Rock Garden with Succulents


Benefits: Rocks add texture and can be used to design patterns around the tree. Succulents and other low-water plants complement rock gardens and require minimal maintenance.

Tip: Ensure the rocks aren’t piled against the tree trunk, and use drought-tolerant plants that don’t need frequent watering, as too much water can harm tree roots.


9. Build a Simple Seating Area


Benefits: A bench or seating area under a large tree can create a cozy spot to relax in the shade.

Tip: Use natural materials like wood or stone to complement the tree and surrounding plants. Add a few potted plants around the seating area to enhance the aesthetic.


10. Add Seasonal Bulbs for Spring and Summer Blooms


Benefits: Seasonal bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and bluebells are perfect for spring, adding color before the tree’s canopy fills with leaves.

Tip: Plant bulbs at varying depths around the tree’s drip line. These bulbs will bloom year after year, providing lasting beauty around your trees.


Key Tips for Landscaping Around Trees


Avoid Disturbing the Roots: Trees have extensive root systems that should remain undisturbed. Plant small, shallow-rooted plants that won’t compete for nutrients.

Choose Native and Shade-Tolerant Plants: Native plants adapt well to local climates and soils, requiring less maintenance. Shade-tolerant plants are ideal for areas under tree canopies.

Maintain a Moisture Balance: Overwatering can harm tree roots. Use mulch or ground covers to retain soil moisture without excessive watering.

Provide Room for Growth: Remember that trees and plants grow over time. Space plants far enough from the trunk and roots to allow them to mature without crowding each other.


Conclusion


Landscaping around trees can transform a basic yard into a beautiful, eco-friendly oasis. From ground covers and flowers to rock gardens and seating areas, there are countless ways to enhance the area under and around trees. With thoughtful planning, you can create a landscape that adds beauty to your yard while respecting the health and growth of your trees.


FAQs


Can I plant directly under any tree? Generally, yes, but avoid digging near shallow-rooted trees like maples and avoid dense planting near fruit trees to prevent competition.

What plants are best for shade? Hostas, ferns, and astilbes are popular shade plants that work well under trees.

Is mulching around trees necessary? Mulching helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and prevent soil erosion, making it beneficial around trees.


A lush, well-designed landscape around a mature oak tree in a backyard. The tree is surrounded by a mulched bed with a low rock border. Shade-loving plants, including vibrant hostas, ferns, and pink flowers, are planted in clusters around the tree base, adding texture and color. A wooden bench is placed to the side under the tree’s canopy, creating a cozy seating area. Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting a warm, dappled light on the plants and mulch, creating a serene and inviting garden atmosphere.

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