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Trees are one of the most valuable features in any landscape. They provide shade, improve air quality, and enhance the overall beauty of your yard. But when it comes to landscaping around trees, many homeowners make mistakes that can harm the tree or create unnecessary maintenance issues.
Done right, landscaping around trees can enhance your yard’s aesthetics while keeping your trees healthy. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to successfully landscape around trees—covering design, plant selection, mulch, edging, and long-term care.
Let’s dive in!
Why Proper Tree Landscaping Matters
Before we start, let’s address an important question: Why does it matter how you landscape around a tree?
- Tree Health – Many landscaping mistakes, like piling soil over roots or using the wrong mulch, can slowly kill a tree over time.
- Aesthetic Appeal – Well-planned tree landscaping improves curb appeal and makes your yard look more polished and inviting.
- Low Maintenance – The right design reduces the need for constant weeding, watering, and pruning.
Now that we understand why this matters, let’s break down the steps to properly landscaping around trees.
Step 1: Choose the Right Plants for Under the Tree
One of the most common mistakes in tree landscaping is choosing the wrong plants. Many people plant flowers or shrubs that require full sun—only to see them struggle or die due to shade competition.
What Types of Plants Work Best Under Trees?
The key is to choose shade-loving and shallow-rooted plants that won’t compete with the tree for water and nutrients.
Best Plants to Grow Under Trees
- Perennials: Hostas, ferns, coral bells, bleeding hearts
- Ground Covers: Periwinkle, creeping phlox, lily of the valley, moss
- Native Wildflowers: Woodland phlox, trillium, columbine
- Ornamental Grasses: Japanese forest grass, sedges
These plants naturally thrive in low-light conditions and have shallow roots that won’t interfere with tree roots.
Plants to Avoid Under Trees
- Deep-rooted shrubs – They compete with trees for water and nutrients.
- Full-sun flowers – Most won’t thrive under the shade of a tree.
- Plants that require frequent watering – Tree roots will outcompete them.
Step 2: Mulching the Right Way
Mulch is essential for healthy tree landscaping, but it’s also where many homeowners go wrong.
Why Mulch Is Important
- Retains moisture – Keeps the soil hydrated, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Protects roots – Acts as an insulator, keeping roots cool in summer and warm in winter.
- Suppresses weeds – Reduces the growth of weeds that compete for nutrients.
How to Apply Mulch Correctly
- Spread 2 to 4 inches of mulch around the tree’s base.
- Keep mulch 2 to 3 inches away from the tree trunk – Piling mulch against the trunk can cause rot, fungal growth, and pest infestations.
- Use organic mulch like wood chips, shredded bark, or leaf litter to nourish the soil.
Mulching Mistakes to Avoid
- The “Mulch Volcano” – Avoid piling mulch into a high mound around the base of the tree. This traps moisture, leading to rot and disease.
- Using rocks instead of mulch – Rocks trap heat and dry out the soil, stressing tree roots.
Proper mulching helps trees stay healthy and reduces the need for constant maintenance.
Step 3: Defining the Space with Edging
Edging not only makes the area around the tree look organized and clean, but it also helps keep mulch in place and prevents grass from invading.
Best Edging Materials for Tree Landscaping
- Stone or Brick – Creates a classic, structured look.
- Metal or Plastic Landscape Edging – Provides a clean, modern aesthetic.
- Natural Wood Logs or Stumps – Perfect for a rustic, natural look.
How to Install Edging Around a Tree
- Measure a circle around the tree – Use a garden hose or rope to mark the edge.
- Dig a shallow trench (2-3 inches deep) along the marked edge.
- Insert the edging material and secure it in place.
- Fill the inside area with mulch to create a finished look.
Edging creates a clear boundary between the landscaped area and the rest of the yard, keeping everything neat and contained.
Step 4: Avoid These Common Mistakes
Even with the best intentions, many homeowners make critical mistakes when landscaping around trees. Here’s what to watch out for:
Mistake #1: Planting Too Close to the Trunk
Crowding plants right up against the tree can suffocate the roots and trap moisture against the bark, leading to rot and disease.
Solution: Keep a 2-3 foot radius around the trunk clear of plants.
Mistake #2: Building Raised Beds Around Trees
Adding soil and raising the ground level can choke tree roots, reducing oxygen flow and causing long-term damage.
Solution: Keep the natural ground level unchanged when landscaping.
Mistake #3: Overwatering
Trees naturally adapt to local rainfall patterns, and overwatering can weaken their root system.
Solution: Water only when necessary, and focus on deep watering rather than frequent shallow watering.
Step 5: Long-Term Care for a Thriving Tree Landscape
A well-planned landscape around your tree isn’t a one-time job—it requires ongoing maintenance to keep it looking great.
1. Prune Regularly
- Trim dead or low-hanging branches to improve airflow and maintain shape.
- Remove suckers (small shoots at the tree base) to prevent energy loss.
2. Refresh Mulch Annually
- Add a fresh layer of mulch each spring to maintain moisture levels.
- Check for signs of rot and remove old mulch if necessary.
3. Monitor Soil Health
- Test the soil every few years to ensure proper nutrient levels.
- Apply organic fertilizer if necessary, but avoid over-fertilizing.
4. Watch for Pests & Diseases
- Look for signs of boring insects, leaf spots, or root rot.
- If you notice issues, consult a certified arborist for treatment options.
Transform Your Yard with Thoughtful Tree Landscaping
Landscaping around trees doesn’t just improve curb appeal—it also keeps trees healthy and thriving for years to come.
By choosing the right plants, using proper mulching techniques, and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a beautiful and low-maintenance tree landscape.
Ready to transform your yard? Follow these steps, and soon, your trees will be the focal point of a stunning, well-designed outdoor space!
