Are you tired of looking at the worn-out and barren areas of landscaping around trees in your yard? To make the tree look like it belongs there, we often ring the base of the trunk with flowers and plants. However, as the tree grows and its branches and roots expand, the area around it becomes a barren wasteland.
The tree roots quickly soak up all available water and block sunlight, so few plants choose to grow nearby.
Landscaping Around Trees Ideas
Ring Garden
Love them or hate them, ring gardens around trees and shrubs are a common sight in residential landscapes. You can find them in many forms, but the basic concept is the same. A circular area around a tree is bordered at any diameter and filled with mulch, plants, rocks, or other materials.
The idea may be to enhance visual interest or to protect the tree from mechanical damage. Many unique ring garden designs can enhance your yard and seamlessly integrate the tree into the landscape
Mulch
Add a layer of mulch that lightly covers the tree roots, using large mulch types, such as wood bark chips and lava rock that don’t compact, allowing water and oxygen to flow freely. Maintain an area free of mulch, approximately 6 inches from the tree trunk, to prevent rot and infestation.
Edging
Install edging, a rock border, or a low fence around the tree to restrict traffic over the roots. Use this as an alternative when there is no walkway to guide foot traffic.
Plants
Plant shallow-rooted plants, such as flowering annuals, in the soil around the roots. Apply a layer of mulch around plants to help prevent the new soil from washing away.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are ring gardens, and why are they popular for landscaping around trees?
Ring gardens are circular plantings or mulch borders around a tree base, designed to enhance aesthetics and protect roots from injury.
How can mulch improve landscaping around trees?
A proper layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture, prevents weeds, and protects roots while allowing water and oxygen to reach the tree; mulch should be kept away from direct contact with the trunk.
What types of plants are suitable for areas near tree roots?
Shallow-rooted annuals and perennials work well near tree roots, as they can thrive with less soil and compete less with established trees for water and nutrients.
Why is edging recommended around trees, and what are some options?
Edging with rocks, fences, or borders prevents soil compaction from foot traffic and helps define the landscaped area, adding visual structure and protection for the roots.
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.