Plant Around A Tree

You want to plant around a tree as your grass won't grow. Every time you try to mow, you are tripping over the roots above the ground. Here is a simple solution for you.

Think about creating a circular bed around the tree. The size of the circle will depend on how big of a planting area you want. A good size is four to five feet out from the trunk of the tree.

Your first step, attacking those nasty weeds. There are a number of good weed killers out in the market today. You can try and pull the weeds by hand. Most of the time you won't get the bottom roots and shoots - they will be back!

One word of advice, don't put the weed killer down until you have a plan of what you want to plant. Time to go to the nursery to get some ideas about what to put around the tree. Don't be overwhelmed!

• Annual or perennial flowers


• Dwarf shrubs -


• Combination of flowers and shrubs

Another possibility is putting a ground cover around the tree. You will need a shade ground cover. Ajuga is great for shade and has tiny pink flowers.

Some people like the idea of ivy. One problem with ivy is it spreads like wild fire. It will grow up your tree, eventually chocking the life out of it. If you use ivy, keep it trimmed. There are many safe chemicals to use today on ivy.

While you are at the nursery, find out about the top soil you will need. I recommend 4 to 6 inches of top soil around the tree. Most nurseries will load the top soil with a bobcat. The bobcat has a bucket to dump the soil into a truck. Buckets come in a variety of sizes.

Most buckets dump 1 cubic yard. Four inches of top soil would be about one and a half scoops. Prices vary in different parts of the country and world. The price can range from $15.00 - $25.00 a scoop. Look for good quality top soil.

What is a good mixture of soil? A good combination is dirt, sand, and saw dust. There usually is a delivery fee. If you own a truck you could pick it up but it will be a lot more work for you.

Most nurseries have professional people to assist you. This is a wonderful service for you to find just the right landscaper in your area. Whether you need help with designing, or planting some ball and burlaps, check out the professionals in your geographic location.

Plant photos of perennial flowers for any style garden gives you some suggestions of flowers. Once you have picked out your shrubs or flowers and ordered your top soil, you are ready to start.

Put the weed killer down, if you need one. Wait a week before you have the top soil delivered. Ask the delivery man to dump the top soil as close to the tree as he can. It will be easier on your back!

Spread the top soil evenly around the tree. Position your plants or flowers the way you want them. Remember, a good design has an odd number. Add some organic mushroom compost with the soil. Finish the bed off with mulch or pine straw.

Planting around a tree can add so much to your outdoors. Don't let those roots stick out anymore. A good landscape project for the spring or fall months. To get other ideas and plant suggestions, head on over to the site map here at landscape solutions for you. This page has every page on this Web site.

You can also sign up for the Free Growing Together Newsletter.

Once a month a new article will be written about different aspects of the landscaping world.

A tip for you on a variety of gardening issues.

Sign up and read the back issues and learn about the history of English gardens, and decorating the interior and exterior of your patio or deck.

There are a couple of personal stories about a Cardinal family in a Ligustrum shrub along with learning to create a topiary. There is also a monthly tip as well as food for thought.

Go ahead and plan your bed around a tree or two. The result will be enjoyment and a great investment to your outdoors.