When it comes to landscaping around trees, creativity knows no bounds. From simple flower beds to elaborate decking, the possibilities are endless. To help you tackle even the most daunting challenges, we’ve curated a collection of designs that cater to various scenarios. For many, the biggest hurdle is giving up prized grass areas that eventually succumb to moisture issues and become unsightly. Moreover, tree root systems may emerge from the ground, posing an aesthetic concern.
If your design vision includes a circular feature around the tree, start by tying a string around the trunk to determine an accurate diameter. Next, use an edging tool to carefully remove sod, taking care not to damage the tree’s roots. Finish with a border made from edging plastic or rocks.
Create Park Setting With Bench and Flowers
Transforming a space into a serene park setting is achievable by layering the foundation with a rich mulch, complemented by lush ground covers like Hosta plants. To add a pop of color, hang baskets overflowing with vibrant flowers from sturdy structures or trellises. For an affordable and creative solution, scour your local dollar store for versatile garden plant hangers that can be repurposed as unique decor elements.
Alternatively, upcycle wooden pallets to craft a charming single-seat bench, reminiscent of the one featured here, which serves as a cozy retreat in this picturesque setting.
Add a Patio in the Shade
Transform your outdoor space by constructing a patio area using flagstone pavers. As you dine beneath the natural shelter of mature trees, don’t forget to provide sufficient clearance for young saplings to develop their root systems and sturdy trunks. By doing so, you’ll create a harmonious blend between the hardscaping and the organic surroundings.
Create a Secluded Seating Area
To define a cozy lounge zone, start by preparing the terrain. Begin by clearing the existing grass, and then lay down landscape fabric as a barrier against weeds. Finally, cover the fabric with a layer of pea gravel for a smooth and even surface. For added convenience, consider installing flagstone pavers to create a straightforward pathway leading into the zone, eliminating the need to trudge through damp grass.
Build a Retaining Wall on the Slope
On slopes, trees can present unique challenges. In this instance, a retaining wall was constructed at the base of the slope using interlocking bricks to stabilize the area. To ensure the tree’s roots were properly covered, dirt was filled in around the trunk, and then topped with grass that had been carefully cut back from the high side. The finished look was completed with the addition of ground cover and dark brown mulch, creating a neat and tidy appearance.
This solution was replicated for every tree on the slope, resulting in a visually appealing and functional landscape design.
Two Trees Become One Garden
In areas where two trees grow in close proximity, it’s often more practical to consider the space between them as a single zone. To create a seamless and functional pathway, an irregularly laid stepping stone and gravel design was incorporated, complemented by organic mulch beds on either side. This thoughtful arrangement not only streamlines access to the nearby shed but also adds visual appeal and harmony to the surrounding landscape.
Basket Weave Fence Around Hedge Stops Deer
A creative approach to deterring deer from munching on your tree’s bark involves crafting an organic barrier using two interconnected rings and a lush hedge in the center. As the hedge grows, it forms a natural bench-like structure that not only protects the tree’s base but also ensures adequate water absorption. This innovative design effectively discourages wildlife from stripping away the bark, allowing you to enjoy your trees’ beauty without the nuisance of deer damage.
Grow a Tree in Your Urban Sanctuary
For urban gardeners, cultivating smaller trees in planters can be an excellent way to add color and vibrancy to city spaces. Dwarf varieties like Japanese maple or cherry blossom trees offer a burst of hues. When selecting small trees for container gardens, consider your growing zone and the specific needs of each species. The size of the planter box is crucial, as it must accommodate the tree’s root ball comfortably.
Opt for a box that’s at least twice the width and depth of the root ball, and feel free to choose a larger one if possible. With proper care, these pint-sized plants can thrive in even the most compact of spaces.
Build a Floating Deck Around a Tree
When preserving the aesthetic appeal of a mature shade tree is crucial, building your deck around its trunk can be an effective solution. This approach allows you to construct a deck that doesn’t compromise the beauty of the tree, while still providing a functional outdoor space.
Bring Serenity to a Garden
A diminutive tree can bring the perfect balance of shade and aesthetic appeal to a meticulously manicured garden. One such example is the Weeping Japanese Maple, specifically the ‘Viridis’ variety, which boasts an impressive ability to thrive in full sun conditions. As it reaches maturity at approximately eight feet tall, its compact size ensures that it will never overwhelm its surroundings.
Fill the Area With Potted Plants
When traditional flower beds aren’t feasible, container gardening provides a versatile and adaptable alternative. This approach allows you to easily switch up your displays to showcase different blooms throughout the year, keeping your outdoor space fresh and visually appealing regardless of the season.
Prune Trees in Your Courtyard
For a courtyard setting, trees can thrive as long as they receive sufficient sunlight and are planted in well-nourished soil. A prime example is this beautifully maintained specimen, whose branches have been carefully pruned to ensure they remain above the roofline.
Build a Raised Garden Bed
To craft an oversized planter, one can leverage the same methods employed in building a retaining wall. This innovative approach allows for the creation of a stunning floral display that seamlessly integrates with its surroundings. By securing brick pavers with mortar and pairing them with native plants, the result is a harmonious fusion of hardscape and softscape that effortlessly brings together form and function.
Zen Garden Gives Topiary a Bonsai Look
By transforming a shrub like a boxwood or juniper into a bonsai tree, you can create a unique and visually striking element that adds an organic touch to your modern garden. These miniature trees take on a sculptural quality, allowing them to complement the clean lines of contemporary design. In this particular setting, the bonsai trees provide a soothing contrast to the sharp angles and geometric shapes, creating a harmonious balance between nature and architecture.
Shade Loving Succulents Grow in Shallow Garden
When designing a serene outdoor space, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to seek inspiration from nature. A retaining wall, for instance, can be given an added boost by the root system of an old shade tree. Meanwhile, succulents can add pops of color and visual interest around the patio area. However, not all succulent species thrive in shady conditions.
As such, it’s essential to conduct research on the specific types that can tolerate low-light environments and bring a touch of beauty to your outdoor oasis.
Add a Dry Creek Bed Through Mulch
Underneath the tree, Envision Landscape Studio cleverly crafted a cozy seating area using vibrant mulch that added a pop of color to the space. To complement the earthy tones, a dry creek bed was designed using light-hued gravel and large rocks, creating a visually appealing contrast.
Build a Rock Garden Around Olive Trees
Olive trees are remarkably resilient and flourish in regions where temperatures rarely drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. They’re ideal for Mediterranean-inspired settings or arid environments. To ensure their survival, it’s essential to hard scape around the base of these trees, allowing them to retain any water they might need for themselves.
Create Safe Zone Around Nettles and Oaks
When it comes to the trees in your yard, some may pose more risks than others. To safely navigate these potentially hazardous specimens, consider implementing an edging strategy around the perimeter of your outdoor space. This approach involves filling the defined area with a lush and thriving ground cover, effectively creating a barrier between you and any treacherous tree features.
Build Patio Grill Area Around Tree
What was once a neglected corner of the yard transforms into a vibrant gathering space when a patio is constructed around a majestic tree. The addition of an outdoor grill elevates the area to new heights, inviting family and friends to gather and enjoy quality time together.
Floral Garden Beds Add Symmetry
To achieve a cohesive and sophisticated appearance in your outdoor space, consider incorporating a consistent design element throughout your garden. One effective way to do so is to use the same decorative base or theme for all flower beds, such as identical planters or matching hardscaping materials. This unifying approach will create a sense of harmony and visual continuity, making your yard feel more polished and refined.
Old Tree Becomes Part of Patio Décor
As fate would have it, the homeowners opted to preserve this majestic tree, rather than succumbing to its eventual demise. In a stroke of creative genius, they designed a charming seating area and table around its sturdy trunk, effectively transforming the tree into an enchanting organic patio umbrella that effortlessly shields their guests from the scorching sun.
Build a Raised Rustic Garden Bed
In a remarkable display of creativity and environmental stewardship, rather than cutting down an old tree, a raised garden was constructed around it, allowing the tree’s natural beauty to thrive while also creating a unique and functional outdoor space. This innovative approach not only preserves the tree’s integrity but also promotes sustainability by minimizing the need for new materials and resources.
Build a Cobblestone Garden Path
The landscape design incorporated a cluster of towering trees, which were cleverly utilized as the foundation for a charming brick path. This serene pathway led visitors to a cozy, secluded gazebo, creating an intimate atmosphere perfect for relaxation and contemplation.
Add Tiers of Flowers and Grasses
To create a visually appealing boundary around a tree, consider combining small, low-maintenance plants and flowers near the front with larger, statement-making ornamental grasses closer to the trunk. This layered approach can add depth and interest to your garden design while also defining the space around the tree.
Bouquet of Flowers Surrounds Bearded Oak
The juxtaposition of a lush, colorful flower bed against the backdrop of a majestic old oak, its gnarled branches adorned with wispy tendrils of Spanish moss, creates a visually striking scene. The unique characteristic of this tree – its ‘beard’ of Spanish moss – earns it the nickname ‘Bearded Oak’, a moniker that aptly captures the whimsical essence of this natural wonder.
Deck Built Around a Superstar Tree
Surrounded by the soothing serenity of nature, the wraparound deck of this enchanting abode was deliberately crafted to harmonize with its majestic centrepiece: a venerable old oak tree. Its Zen-like presence is further accentuated by the thoughtful pruning that reveals the trunk’s unique character, effortlessly marrying form and function in perfect symphony.
Hang a Wood Framed Swing Chair
Transform your backyard into a serene retreat by incorporating an organic basket swing chair as the centerpiece of a cozy reading nook. This eco-friendly and stylish seating option invites you to slow down, relax, and get lost in a good book.
Aloe Trees Call for Cacti and Succulents
When it comes to creating a visually appealing and functional landscape in a dry climate, pairing the majestic Tree Aloe with barrel cacti and boulders can be a winning combination. The Hercules Aloe Tree, in particular, is an excellent choice because it offers height without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. By incorporating these elements into your design, you can create a stunning and low-maintenance outdoor space that thrives in dry conditions.
Olive Trees Look Like a Vineyard
The landscape design of this residence cleverly juxtaposes olive trees with square pavers along the walkways, creating an intriguing visual contrast. By planting multiple trees in a row, the designer has skillfully evoked the look and feel of an idyllic vineyard setting. Furthermore, the organic mulch strategically placed at the base of each tree serves to retain moisture for future use, highlighting the property’s commitment to sustainability.
Low Growing Bulbs Thrive in Shady Areas
If the root system of a tree creates an environment where grass struggles to grow, consider introducing caladium bulbs that thrive in shady conditions. These versatile plants multiply quickly, making a small initial investment go a long way. In regions with colder winters, it’s essential to dig up the caladiums and store them indoors during the dormant season to ensure their survival.
