Landscaping Around Trees: 15 Creative Ideas to Beautify Your Outdoor Space

Landscaping around trees is a great way to beautify your outdoor space while keeping your trees healthy and happy. The traditional methods of edging in brick, stone, or rubber are still effective, but there are plenty of creative ways to enhance the beauty of your trees. In this article, we’ll explore 15 different styles of landscaping around trees that will inspire you to transform your backyard or front yard into a stunning oasis.

Table of Contents

Plant a Ring of Tulips

A ring of tulips can add a pop of color and beauty to the base of a mature tree. Choosing a single flower like tulips can make a bold statement in the springtime.

Spruce Up Bare Ground With Succulents

Low-maintenance succulents are a great way to add color and warmth to the area around a tree. They can enhance the curb appeal of your home without requiring too much upkeep.

Build a Boxwood Labyrinth

Creating a labyrinth of boxwood hedges around a tree can add a touch of whimsy to your landscaping. Pairing it with other plants like heuchera and Korean no-mow grass can create a cohesive and beautiful garden space.

Build a Deck Around It

Building a deck around a mature tree can provide you with extra space to enjoy your yard while showcasing the architectural beauty of the tree. It can also help reduce soil compaction around the roots, which is beneficial for the tree’s health.

Fill In With Hostas and Firecracker Plants

Shade-tolerant plants like hostas and firecracker plants can thrive under the canopy of a tree. They can provide seasonal color and interest to the area around the tree.

Carpet the Ground With Nettle

Planting silvery spotted dead nettle and spreading bugleweed around a tree can create a lush and vibrant ground cover. These plants are vigorous growers and can thrive in various environments.

Install a Cactus Garden

Surrounding a tree with a cactus garden can create a natural and beautiful setting. Succulents like aloe bainesii and golden barrel cactus can thrive in a Mediterranean garden environment.

Surround It With an English Garden

Planting a variety of plants around a tree can create an English country vibe in your front garden. Mixing different types of plants can add texture and interest to the space.

Blanket the Ground With No-Mow Ferns

Underplanting a tree with foxtail ferns and other ground cover plants can create a lush and green space. Adding a low concrete bench as a retaining wall can provide a place to sit and enjoy the garden.

Surround Olive Trees With Redwood Mulch

Underplanting olive trees with sesleria, olea, Westringia fruticosa, and artemisia can create a Mediterranean-inspired garden space. Mulching with native redwood can add texture and interest to the area.

Add Volume With Native Grasses

Rustic corten steel planter edging can hold a raised bed that includes an olive tree and assorted local stones. Adding native grasses can create a natural and harmonious garden space.

Use Shade-Loving Plants

Incorporating shade-loving plants like hostas and rhododendrons under the canopy of a tree can add color and texture to your landscaping. These plants thrive in shaded areas and can enhance the beauty of your outdoor space.

Build a Deck Around the Trunk

Building a deck around the trunk of a tree can provide privacy and create a seamless indoor/outdoor living experience. It can also add more living space to your home.

Green a Rooftop Terrace

Creating a rooftop terrace with trees like Japanese maple and Osmanthus can provide a private and luxurious space for relaxation. PRuning and training the trees can create a neat and manicured look.

Play With Height and Color

A whimsical cottage garden with carefully chosen perennials, vines, and bulbs can add height and color to your landscaping. Utilize every free space of dirt to create a vibrant and beautiful outdoor space.

In conclusion, landscaping around trees doesn’t have to be limited to traditional methods. With a little creativity and imagination, you can transform the area around your trees into a beautiful and inviting space. Whether you choose to plant a ring of tulips, build a deck around a tree, or create a cactus garden, there are endless possibilities for enhancing the beauty of your outdoor space. Experiment with different plants and design elements to create a landscape that reflects your personality and style. Happy gardening!