What to put around trees for decoration?
We moved here last August. There was not a tree or anything in the front yard except a lawn. It looked pretty bare. We wanted to do something to give it a little character, so we set three River Birch Trees across the front. We spaced them so they would not cover the front of the house visionally. I would like to put something around each one in order to make them look dressed up.
If anyone has ideas along with some photos, I would appreciate it so much.
Thanks to Home Talk for this wonderful website. It has helped me many times in solving problems I was dealing with. I always look forward to the responses I get and have been able to get an answer to every question I have asked.
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Can you create a big winding garden bed around them - like an island? Then you could fill it with shrubs, grasses and groundcover and create a lot of impact!
Here are some ideas that include landscaping around trees: https://www.hometalk.com/diy/grow/landscaping/6-front-yard-landscaping-ideas-that-add-curb-appeal-41263667
Flower beds around tree bases always come to my mind, you could also add stepping stones and benches :)
6 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas That Add Curb Appeal
Hi Betty, you might try contacting your County Extension agent's office. They could provide you a list of plants that grow well in your area. You could select a few low-growing or miniature varieties to plant around your trees to add some color and curb appeal. Perennials would be a grat asset.
You'll need to do some research to see what grows well in your area and under the shade of the trees. In addition to plants, you may want to include other natural elements like rocks.
I like the look of rocks forming a ring a few feet away from the base of the tree. I've never had river birch trees so not sure what you add or plant near the base. I would consult a local nursery to make sure you don't add a plant that causes issues. We have hostas around one tree with some different flowers sprinkled in for color.
River Birch prefer a soil that has a pH of less than 6.5, so the plants you select would do best if that was also their need for optimal growth and blooms. Take a look at what Pinterest offers:
https://www.pinterest.com/acprice45/river-birch-landscaping/
Where is "here" Betty? Do you know what zone you are in? As others have stated, knowing your area will help you decide what will thrive around your trees. County Extension office, a reputable nursery where you can speak to a Master Gardener on staff will really help. Think about how you want the area to look like. Xeriscaping with native plantings or more formal. I have a Natchez crepe Myrtle in my front yard and I just plant seasonal annuals around the tree. Easy and simple. See if these help.
https://www.thespruce.com/tips-for-planting-under-trees-4119908
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/planting-garden-beneath-trees.htm
https://www.shiftingroots.com/plants-that-grow-under-trees/
Hostas usually work really well under trees with a layer of mulch around the entire tree and the hostas. Or, you could try a few big pots with annuals in the Spring/Summer/Fall for more color.
Thanks, I like the Hosta idea. If I wanted to take it out several feet and perhaps make an oblong section with a curve in it, how do you think that would look? I'm just thinking about different way to dress it up a little an at the same time perhaps cut down on so much lawn area. I hope this doesn't sound looney, just thinking???
Hello. In our zone 7 planting zone we like to recommend mulch assist the health and protection to the new tree plantings. The practices including proper applications- not have your bark mulch not touch the tree tree trunk or making mulch volcanos....ie the mulch should not bury the tree trunk in a conical way.
Here are some educational links that might help you determine if this will be helpful for your trees.
https://www.umass.edu/urbantree/factsheets/9mulchingtrees.html
https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/mulching.shtml
https://njaes.rutgers.edu/fs099/
At some point ground covers and annuals suited to your planting zone might be considered.
Additionally for the best local professional advice
I would highly suggest contacting your cooperative extension. These offices are manned by volunteer master gardeners on site there waiting to answer the communities questions that know your local situation quite well.
Master gardeners are required to volunteer back designated hours ( plus continuing education) each year to maintain MG certification -this community outreach and education is their goal.
Best wishes in your gardening and landscaping adventures!
The Dos and Don'ts for Landscaping Around Trees
https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/the-dos-and-don-ts-for-landscaping-around-trees-52681
Hello, hope this helps you out with this,
https://www.pinterest.ca/faeriebrat/under-tree-garden-ideas-for-mom/