How to Create Flower Beds Around Trees
Planting flowerbeds around your trees is not only adds color to your lawn, it also cuts down on problematic mowing areas. You don't even have to be a professional landscaper to do it. It is an easy project that can be done in an afternoon. If you have been wanting to try it, now is the time. Do not worry if it is fall. You can always plant spring bulbs that will bloom long before the leaves cover the trees. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Shovel or hoe
- Topsoil
- Wood chips or mulch
- Flowers
- Garden Hose
- Landscape edging (optional)
Instructions
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1
Decide where you want your flower bed to be and mark it. A garden hose can be a great marker for this task. Most flower beds extend about two feet from the tree on each side.
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2
Using a hoe or shovel, carefully remove the grass from the area. Take shallow layers to avoid damaging any tree roots lying below the surface.
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3
Cover the area with 2-4 layers of wet newspaper. The newspaper will act as a weed barrier and prevent grass from growing back into your flower bed.
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4
If you wish to install edging around your flowerbed, you can do so now. Edging will help keep the mulch around the tree and give you a clean mowing line. However, it is not necessary.
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5
Lay down 3" of new top soil. Do not use the soil you just dug up because it will be filled with grass seed.
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Set out your plants in whatever design you wish. Make sure you follow the guidelines for each plant.
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Plant the flowers. Unless you're planting around a small tree, you will need to pick flowers that enjoy the shade. A few of the most popular shade loving plants include hostas, ferns, heucheras, begonias, brunera, fern leaf or standard bleeding heart and impatiens.
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8
Water the area thoroughly. Flowers will need more water the first month until the roots are established.
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Cover the soil with a layer of wood chips or mulch.
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10
Weed regularly. You will want to watch out for any tree seedlings that might sprout up.
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Tips & Warnings
Water the flowers more often for the first month after they are planted.
