The bare, tired-looking ground under your trees can make the whole yard feel unfinished. While planting flowers around the trunk may look good at first, growing roots and spreading branches quickly change the conditions. That’s why many homeowners struggle with landscaping around trees as the tree matures.
Landscaping Around Trees Ideas
Ring Garden
Ring gardens are one of the most common ideas to garden around trees because they create a defined space beneath the tree. They also help organize the surrounding landscape. These circular borders can be filled with materials like mulch, rocks, or low plants to add structure and reduce soil disturbance near the roots.
They also guide foot traffic away from sensitive areas and give the tree a more intentional, integrated look. By framing the base with a clear border, ring gardens help the tree blend naturally into the yard while keeping the area neat and easy to maintain.
Mulch
Using mulch is one of the most effective ways to mulch around trees. Choose non-compacting options like bark chips or lava rock to help retain moisture and improve soil conditions. Keep mulch at least 6 inches away from the trunk to avoid decay and pest problems.
Edging
Edging provides a clean boundary that protects tree roots and keeps soil from compacting. Stones, bricks, metal edging, or small fencing work well and help define the landscaped area where no walkway exists.
Plants
Selecting plants for landscaping around trees means choosing varieties with shallow roots that tolerate partial shade. Annuals, small perennials, and low-growing groundcovers work best. Adding a light layer of mulch helps stabilize the soil and maintain a tidy appearance.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are ring gardens, and why are they popular for landscaping around trees?
Ring gardens are circular borders created around a tree to separate the base from the surrounding yard. They’re popular because they protect roots, add structure, and simplify maintenance. Many homeowners use them to decorate and define the area around trees.
How can mulch improve landscaping around trees?
Mulch reduces weeds, maintains soil moisture, and shields roots from heat and cold. It also keeps soil aerated so water and oxygen can reach the tree more easily. Keeping mulch away from the trunk prevents rot and pests.
What types of plants are suitable for areas near tree roots?
Shallow-rooted, shade-tolerant plants such as groundcovers, annuals, and small perennials perform best. They require little soil depth and can handle the competition for moisture. Selecting plants that naturally grow in low-light environments increases success.
Why is edging recommended around trees, and what are some options I can use?
Edging helps keep soil from compacting by guiding foot traffic away from the base of the tree. It also creates a neat border that keeps mulch and plants contained. Stones, metal edging, brick borders, or small fences are all useful options.
Arbor Hills Trees & Landscaping Omaha
If you’re not sure what you want to do with your tree, give us a call. Our goal is to provide you with the landscape design and installation that meets your needs at the lowest possible cost.
We raise our own trees and buy plants and materials in bulk to keep costs down. We keep our focus on providing our customers the highest quality trees, plants, and lighting, on time, every time.