Landscaping around trees requires careful consideration to promote the health and beauty of both the trees and the surrounding vegetation. The space under and around trees presents unique challenges and opportunities when planning gardens, lawns, flower beds, and other landscape features. Factors like tree root systems, shade patterns, and canopy drip lines all impact what can grow well in the area. Thoughtful design allows trees and plants to thrive together in an integrated landscape.
Page Contents
- 1 Should anything be planted under trees?
- 2 How far from the tree trunk should beds be planted?
- 3 Should grass be planted under trees?
- 4 Should mulch or wood chips be used under trees?
- 5 What are the best edging options around trees?
- 6 Should flowering plants be used under trees?
- 7 Should ornamental grasses be incorporated around trees?
- 8 Should vines be grown on trees?
- 9 Should annual or perennial flowers be prioritized?
- 10 Should native plants be prioritized around trees?
- 11 Conclusion
Should anything be planted under trees?
It is possible to plant under trees, but the options are limited by the growing conditions. Heavy shade, tree roots competing for water and nutrients, and falling debris like leaves and twigs make the area right under trees difficult for many plants. However, with the right plant choices and care, the space under trees can be an attractive part of the landscape.
The easiest growth under trees is from shade-loving groundcovers like vinca, English ivy, pachysandra, lamium, ajuga, and lilyturf. These spreading plants form carpets below the canopy. They tolerate low light, tree roots, and some falling debris. Some perennials like astilbe, coral bells, and hosta also do well under high shade.
Annuals that work under trees include begonias, impatiens, and coleus since they flourish in shade and only need to last one season. It takes more maintenance to replant them each year. Avoid digging extensive beds since tree roots are likely to be damaged. Focus on tough groundcovers, containers, and islands of annuals.
Best plants for under trees
| Groundcovers | Perennials | Annuals |
|---|---|---|
| Vinca | Astilbe | Begonias |
| English ivy | Coral bells | Impatiens |
| Pachysandra | Hosta | Coleus |
| Lamium | ||
| Ajuga | ||
| Lilyturf |
How far from the tree trunk should beds be planted?
When planning planting beds under and near trees, it’s important to avoid the root zone around the trunk to prevent damage. A general rule is to leave a space equal to the diameter of the canopy with no beds. For example, for a tree with a 30 foot wide canopy, leave at least 15 feet clear from the trunk.
The feeder roots that take up water and nutrients extend well beyond the drip line of the branches. Damaging these roots harms the health of the tree. Allow plenty of space for the root system to access the soil and water it needs.
Focus ornamental beds, lawns, and turf further out from the center of the tree. Leave the space closest to the trunk open. Mulch is a good option for covering the ground within the canopy projection.
Guidelines for distance from the trunk
| Canopy Spread | Minimum Distance for Beds |
|---|---|
| 10 feet | 5 feet |
| 20 feet | 10 feet |
| 30 feet | 15 feet |
| 40 feet | 20 feet |
| 50 feet | 25 feet |
Should grass be planted under trees?
Growing thick, lush grass under trees can be challenging. Grass needs several hours of direct sunlight per day, along with regular water and fertilizer to flourish. The shade cast by tree canopies dramatically limits sunlight, especially when the foliage is full during summer. Grass often becomes thin and patchy under trees as it struggles with limited light and dry conditions.
There are a few adapted grass varieties that can handle more shade, like fine fescues. But even these types need some supplemental sunlight to fill in properly. The patchy grass under trees also suffers from falling leaves in autumn and drips from rainfall. Keeping grass alive under trees requires rigorous maintenance.
For trees with canopies that cover a significant area, it’s better to use alternative groundcovers. Wood chips, mulch rings, perennial beds, and shade-loving plants are lower maintenance options. Outside the dripline and root zone, there is more potential to establish thicker grass growth. But directly below the canopy, grass will likely disappoint unless the shade is very light.
Best options under trees
| Light Shade | Moderate to Dense Shade |
|---|---|
| Fine fescue grass | Mulch or woodchips |
| Perennial groundcovers | Beds of shade plants |
| Combination of grass and groundcovers | Stone or gravel beds |
Should mulch or wood chips be used under trees?
Mulch and wood chips are excellent choices for covering the ground under trees. They suppress weeds, reduce lawn maintenance, and provide a neat, finished look. Benefits of mulch around trees include:
– Protects roots – A 2-4 inch layer prevents soil compaction and insulates roots.
– Retains moisture – Mulch keeps soil evenly moist and reduces water needs.
– Suppresses weeds – Blocks light to prevent weed seeds from sprouting.
– Prevents damage from mowers and trimmers – Acts as a buffer around the trunk.
– Minimizes erosion – Stabilizes the soil surface and prevents runoff.
– Improves soil as it decomposes – Adds organic matter over time.
Both organic mulches like shredded bark and inorganic options like pebbles or gravel work well. Natural mulch made from tree trimmings is an eco-friendly choice. Avoid piling mulch against the actual trunk which can lead to rot. Maintain a 2-3 inch gap next to the base. Replenish the mulch layer annually as it breaks down.
Best mulch choices
| Organic | Inorganic |
|---|---|
| Shredded bark | Pebbles or gravel |
| Wood chips | Crushed stone |
| Shredded leaves | River rock |
| Pine needles | Ceramic pieces |
| Compost | Tumbled glass |
What are the best edging options around trees?
Edging helps contain mulch rings, beds, and turf areas around trees for a neat finish. Both hardscape and softscape materials can create defined edges. Popular choices include:
– Brick – Interlocking bricks or a single row of laid bricks make classic edging.
– Stone – Granite, limestone, or other landscape stone stacked or buried creates edges.
– Aluminum – Flexible aluminum strips or ringlets contain mulch beds.
– Steel – Strips of corrugated steel can hold both organic and rocky mulch.
– Concrete – Short sections of concrete curb or cast edging blocks work well.
– Wood – Sections of landscape timber, vinyl lumber, or flexi-wood make good borders.
– Plants – Low hedges like boxwood, liriope, or germander can edge planting rings.
Consider the style of the landscape when choosing edging materials. Curves and organic shapes suit stone, brick, and plant hedges while straight lines look best with metal, vinyl, or concrete edging.
Most popular edging materials
| Hardscape | Softscape |
|---|---|
| Brick | Liriope |
| Stone | Germander |
| Aluminum | Boxwood |
| Concrete | Lavender |
| Wood | Dwarf conifers |
Should flowering plants be used under trees?
While many flowering plants appreciate direct sun and perform best in open beds, some species can thrive under trees. The key is choosing shade-tolerant varieties with preferences matching the light levels and soil conditions:
– Impatiens offer continuous color in shady spots with moist, rich soil.
– Begonias bloom prolifically in full to partial shade and mix well with other shade plants.
– Coleus feature vivid colored leaves that provide interest under trees even without flowers.
– Astilbe produce feathery plumes on shade-loving plants that do well under trees.
– Coral bells come in many varieties suited for deep or dappled shade and mix nicely with other perennials.
– Hostas are available in a range of sizes and leaf types, all growing well in shade gardens.
– Ferns offer lush greenery and often spread readily under large tree canopies.
Focus flowering shade plants near the outer canopy edges where sunlight penetrates and avoid aggressive spreaders that could overtake groundcovers. Use containers to add pops of color under dense shade inside the drip line.
Top flowering plants for shade
| Annuals | Perennials | Ferns |
|---|---|---|
| Impatiens | Astilbe | Japanese painted fern |
| Begonias | Coral bells | Autumn fern |
| Coleus | Hosta | Wood fern |
Should ornamental grasses be incorporated around trees?
Ornamental grasses bring texture, movement, and unique form to landscapes. Many varieties thrive in the dappled or shifting light patterns around trees. Their narrow profiles allow design flexibility to intermingle with groundcovers or accent focal points. Popular ornamental grasses for planting around trees include:
– Hakonechloa – Shade tolerant Japanese forest grass with graceful cascading foliage.
– Carex – Evergreen sedge grasses perfect for borders or mass planting.
– Muhlenbergia – Dramatic shimmering plumes on plants ranging from low groundcovers to tall background accents.
– Pennisetum – Fountain grass featuring tall wispy blooms great for partial shade locations.
– Ophiopogon – Lilyturf known for shiny leaves and clean edging ability.
– Calamagrostis – Feathery reed grass that sways gracefully in the breeze.
Give grasses space to grow without crowding tree roots. Mass plantings under outer canopy branches and specimen clumps work well. Avoid invasively spreading varieties that could overtake desired groundcovers.
Top ornamental grasses for trees
| Large Specimen | Mass Planting | Low Edging |
|---|---|---|
| Muhlenbergia | Hakonechloa | Liriope |
| Pennisetum | Carex | Ophiopogon |
| Calamagrostis | Ophiopogon | Carex |
Should vines be grown on trees?
Vines are often considered for growing up tree trunks and branches to add visual interest. However, this practice requires caution to avoid harming the tree. Issues to consider when planting vines around trees include:
– Added weight as vines grow heavier over time could break branches.
– Vines covering bark could cause moisture buildup and rot.
– Climbing vines may girdle trunks and strangle growth.
– Adhesive aerial rootlets used for climbing can damage bark.
– Competition for sunlight, nutrients, and water from aggressive vines.
– Vines harboring pests like insects and rodents.
– Future removal issues if vines overwhelm the tree.
Safer options are to trellis vines on structures in front of or behind mature trees. Let vines trail along or ramble around the base. Ensure adequate space between vines and tree surfaces. Focus on well-behaved vines less likely to overtake the tree.
Vine considerations around trees
| Best Locations | Vigorous Vines to Avoid | Safer Vining Plants |
|---|---|---|
| On structures near trees | English ivy | Clematis |
| Trailing around trunk base | Kudzu | Honeysuckle |
| Separate supporting structures | Morning glory | Passion flower |
Should annual or perennial flowers be prioritized?
Tree root zones usually favor perennial flowers over annuals. Perennials return each year once established, creating reliable color with less maintenance. Benefits of planting perennials around trees include:
– Repeated beauty year after year without replanting.
– Develop deep root systems accessing moisture and nutrients.
– Withstand falling leaves and debris dumped by trees.
– Forgiving of competition from tree roots once established.
– Provide structure and support for annual companion plants.
Popular perennials like hosta, ferns, astilbe, and coral bells grow well under trees. Use annuals like impatiens, coleus, and begonias for accents and customizable color patterns each season. Focus annuals near the dripline or in planters and perennial beds under the canopy.
Annual and perennial uses
| Perennials | Annuals |
| Groundcovers and bed foundations | Color accents and foliage contrast |
| Anchoring plantings long-term | Seasonal interest and flexibility |
| Withstanding tree root competition | Planters and outer canopy beds |
Should native plants be prioritized around trees?
Native plants well-adapted to local soils, climate, pests, and diseases are excellent choices for tree plantings. Native species that co-evolved in the regional ecosystem often thrive under and around native trees. Benefits of using native plants include:
– Require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance once established.
– Provide critical habitat and food sources for native pollinators and wildlife.
– Avoid becoming invasive or introducing diseases.
– Help create a stable plant community via beneficial relationships.
– Support conservation goals and preserve local biodiversity.
Check with local extension services or native plant societies for suggestions on the best native groundcovers, perennials, grasses, and flowering plants for integration with the specific trees on site. This emulates natural plant associations.
Native plant advantages
| Lower maintenance | Wildlife habitat |
| Drought tolerance | Pollinator support |
| Disease resistance | Conservation value |
| Climate adaptation | Sustainable ecosystems |
Conclusion
Careful planting choices, proper preparation, and ongoing maintenance are key to successfully integrating ornamental beds, lawns, and groundcovers around trees. Prioritize tree health while allowing supportive plant growth in the surrounding area. Mulch beds, select shade tolerant species, control aggressive growers, and avoid unnecessary digging to create a beautifully designed and thriving landscape. With the right approach, plantings can enhance the natural beauty of trees for years to come.