How to Create a Raised Planter Around a Tree

Having a tree in your yard can add an excellent aesthetic to your home. However, it can be challenging to incorporate plants around the base of the tree without suffocating its roots. A raised planter is an excellent way to have plants flourish around the tree while offering great exposure to sunlight and water. To get started, here's a step by step guide on how to create a raised planter around a tree.

Step 1: Get the Materials

To build a raised planter around your tree, you'll need some essential materials. The materials that you need include:

Plants of your choice

Marking paint or chalk

Garden stakes

Shovel

The desired number of landscaping timbers (6x6 inch or 4x6 inch)

Outdoor wood screws

Level

Screw gun

Landscape fabric

Gravel

Soil

Step 2: Measure the Area

The first step in creating a raised planter around a tree is to measure the area around your tree. This will give you an idea of how many landscape timbers you'll need. Once you've measured the area, purchase the required number of 6x6 inch or 4x6 inch landscape timbers from your local hardware store.

Step 3: Mark the Area

The next step is to mark the area where you want to create the raised planter. Use the marking paint or chalk to outline the planter's shape, ensuring that the tree's trunk is in the middle of the planter. Use garden stakes to hold the marked area in place.

Step 4: Dig the Holes

Now that you've marked the area, it's time to dig the holes for your landscaping timbers. Use a shovel to dig in the marked area, making sure that the holes are the same length as the timbers. The depth of the holes should be approximately 1/3 of the length of the timber.

Step 5: Install the Timbers

After the holes have been dug, it's time to install the timbers. Start by placing the first timber in the hole, making sure that it's level. Take the second timber and place it in the next hole, making sure that it's level with the first timber. Continue this process until all the timbers are in place.

Step 6: Secure the Timbers

Once all the timbers are in place, it's time to secure them. Attach the timbers to each other using outdoor wood screws, at the corners and the seams where they meet. Ensure that they are securely fastened.

Step 7: Line the Planter

The next step in creating a raised planter around a tree is to line the planter with landscape fabric. This will prevent weeds from growing in the planter and reduce soil erosion. Cut the landscape fabric into the shape of the planter and place it inside the planter, covering the bottom and the sides of the planter. Use gravel to weigh down the fabric and prevent it from moving.

Step 8: Add Soil

Finally, it's time to add soil to the planter. Fill the planter with soil, leaving space near the top for plants. Ensure that the soil is evenly distributed and leveled.

Step 9: Add Plants

The final step is to add plants to the planter. Choose plants that will thrive in the conditions around your tree, such as shade-loving plants. Place them in the planter and ensure that they are evenly spaced.

Creating a raised planter around a tree is an excellent way to incorporate plants into your yard without harming the tree's roots. Follow these simple steps, and you'll have a beautiful raised planter in no time!