What to Plant Around a Maple Tree

Maple trees are not only beautiful, but they also provide shade and a habitat for birds and other animals. Planting around a maple tree can enhance its beauty and complement its natural charm. However, choosing the right plants can be challenging since the tree's roots can compete for nutrients and watering with newly planted shrubs and flowers. In this article, we will share some tips on what plants thrive best around a maple tree.

Consider the Shade

The first thing to keep in mind when selecting plants to grow around a maple tree is to consider the shade the tree provides. Since maple trees cast a deep shade, it is important to choose plants that can tolerate less sunlight. Some excellent shade-loving plants to consider include hostas, ferns, coral bells, and wild geraniums. These plants can grow well under the tree and also provide a beautiful contrast to the tree's foliage.

Think About the Roots

The vast root system of the maple tree may compete for water and nutrients with other plants around it. Therefore, it is wise to take into account the tree's roots when selecting plants for your garden bed. Avoid planting plants that require deep planting since they can damage the tree roots. Instead, choose shallow-rooted flowers and shrubs, such as azaleas, hydrangeas, and rhododendrons. These plants have shallow roots and can thrive even when grown around the tree.

Explore Companion Plants

Another smart approach is to plant companion plants that work well with maple trees. Companion plants are species that can support and enhance the growth of other plants. They usually provide benefits like rooting, insect repelling, or even fertilization. Some species that make great companion plants for maple trees include dwarf asters, bee balm, and bleeding hearts. These flowers can help keep the soil moist, keep insects at bay, and improve the soil's fertility around the tree.

Choose the Right Mulch

Mulch is a vital part of every garden as it helps reduce weed growth and prevents soil erosion. It also helps regulate soil temperature and retains moisture, keeping your plants healthy. When planting around a maple tree, using the right mulch is crucial since the tree's roots are close to the surface. Organic mulches like pine needles or shredded leaves are infrequent and avoid using plastic or inorganic mulches around the trees as they can suffocate and damage the tree roots.

The Bottom Line

Planting around a maple tree can be a source of joy but only when done correctly. Choosing the right plants, mulch, and companions can work wonders towards enhancing the landscape around your tree making it last for years to come. By keeping in mind factors such as shade, root system, and choosing companion plants, you can create a beautiful garden that complements the beauty of your maple tree.