What to Plant Around Tree Roots: Tips for a Lush Landscape

Planting around tree roots may seem like a daunting task for many gardeners but, with the right tips, you can achieve a lush landscape while preserving the health of your trees. While it may be tempting to plant anything and everything around the base of a tree, it's important to consider the needs of the tree and choose plants that can coexist without damaging the tree's root system. In this article, we'll discuss what to plant around tree roots and how to do it in a way that promotes the health and vitality of your trees.

Choosing the Right Plants

The first step in planting around tree roots is to choose the right plants. Trees need access to oxygen and moisture, so it's important to select plants that can thrive in the same soil conditions. Additionally, excessive root disturbance can weaken the tree, so planting shallow-rooted plants is recommended. Here are some options:

Groundcovers: low growing plants like creeping thyme, ajuga, and vinca can create a beautiful carpet effect around trees.

Perennials: Plants like hostas, ferns, and astilbes thrive in shaded areas and have shallow root systems.

Bulbs: Spring-blooming bulbs like daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips can be planted in masses around the base of the tree.

Shrubs: Small shrubs, such as boxwood, hydrangea, and dwarf azaleas, can provide structure and improve the overall appearance of the landscape.

Avoidance Tactics

When planting around tree roots, it's important to avoid tactics that can harm the tree. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Don't change the soil level around the tree: adding extra soil on top of tree roots can suffocate the tree and lead to root rot.

Don't plant too close: planting too close to the trunk can damage the bark and the roots of the tree.

Avoid invasive plants: invasive plants like ivy, sweet alyssum, and periwinkle can overtake the area and compete with the tree for water and nutrients.

Maintenance Tips

Once you've selected the right plants and avoided tactics that can damage the tree, it's important to maintain the health of both the tree and the plants growing around it. Here are some tips:

Water regularly: To prevent root damage, it's important to avoid overwatering, but the plants still need regular watering to thrive.

Prune regularly: Prune the plants growing around the tree to prevent overgrowth and crowding of the area.

Fertilize: Use a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and vibrant color.

In Conclusion

Planting around tree roots can be a great way to enhance the beauty of your landscape, but it requires careful consideration of the needs of the tree and the plants you choose to cultivate. Ultimately, with these tips in mind, you can successfully create a lush and healthy landscape that will bring you joy for years to come.