Landscaping Around Trees: Essential Do’s and Don’ts for Healthy Growth

• Incorrect planting techniques can lead to the decline and death of a healthy tree.
• Protecting the tree's root zone is critical.
• If you use mulch, keep it away from tree trunks.

Trees require ample space for healthy growth. When you want to redo the yards around your home and add more plants, you have to keep the trees' needs in mind. What looks good in your mind may actually be disastrous for the trees if you don't understand how to design landscapes that incorporate those trees properly. That being said, it is possible to integrate trees into a new landscape design in a way that allows them to continue thriving.

Beautiful gardens add value to your home, but if those gardens are designed and planted with improper techniques, the trees could slowly decline. In Livonia, MI, and the greater Southeast Michigan area, Nate's Outdoor Services knows the do's and don'ts of tree landscaping.

Protecting the Root Zone From Damage and Compaction

Trees have what's known as a "critical root zone," the area beneath the canopy. This is the zone in which you need to avoid digging, if at all possible. Some people envision having a ring of pretty flowers around the base of the tree, but those plants can damage vital parts of the tree's root system. Digging planting holes alone can sever smaller roots, cutting off part of the system that transports moisture and nutrition from the soil into the tree's trunk.

Two other issues arise when you try to plant anything within that root zone. One is that the continual foot traffic through the zone, as you prepare the soil and care for the plants, can compact the soil. That compaction eliminates air pockets in the soil, which means the roots don't get as much oxygen as the tree requires. (Roots need oxygen to help the tree complete the photosynthesis process.)

Plants that are too close together compete for the limited supply of resources in the soil. If you plant an aggressive groundcover within that critical root zone, the groundcover will compete with the tree roots for nutrients, further weakening the tree.

Proper Mulching and Planting Techniques

One way to add visual interest to the root zone is to use mulch. This has the added benefit of regulating soil temperature and reducing moisture loss to evaporation. However, even mulching can harm the tree if not done correctly. To avoid harming your new trees, use the "donut method". To use the donut method, all you do is add mulch in a ring around the trunk, keeping it a few inches away from the bark. This makes a difference because if too much mulch rests against the trunk of the tree, it can lead to rot because it doesn't allow moisture on the trunk to dry out. When planting new trees, the rule of thumb is that you want to conserve moisture in the soil, you do not want it to stay on the trunk.

There's actually a phenomenon called a mulch volcano, in which you pile mulch against the trunk, creating what looks like a volcano's peak. This is a common mistake, but it's also a very harmful one. If you found yourself with a mulch volcano, do not panic. Instead, use the donut method and move the mulch around the circle creating a ring around the trunk. If you're still determined to place some flowers or other plants near the base of the tree, place them as far away from the trunk as possible; keeping them out of the critical root zone. Furthermore, try to choose plants with very shallow root systems and low water needs to prevent them from interfering with the trees' root system.

Optimizing Irrigation for Tree Longevity

If you go out in nature, you will see trees that have grass very close to their trunks. That is not something you want to duplicate in your yard because lawn grass and trees have very different watering needs. Properly watering the grass could hurt the tree and vice versa. Trees like deep watering that happens infrequently as this encourages root growth. Lawn

grass, however, like more frequent watering that is shallower and more rain-like. Furthermore, if you plant lawn grass outside the critical root zone, you still need to

watch where those sprinklers are aiming. If you have high-pressure sprinkler heads, make sure to position them so that they do not hit the tree trunk. Having a sprinkler system that constantly hits a tree's base can promote fungal growth and cause bark damage. 

Professional Tree Care Across the Southeastern Michigan Area

Landscaping projects need professional oversight, from design to installation and care. The wrong design can accidentally shorten a tree's lifespan and waste your time and money. If you’re in any of our wide range of service areas, then Nate's Outdoor Services can help you with your landscaping and tree needs. We offer free consultations and professional maintenance that keep your landscape healthy and beautiful. Contact us today to learn more or get a free estimate. Let us help you!

Image credit: // Shutterstock // Amani A