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.
Great Resource
For All Your
Outside Projects
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
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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.