How to create tree flower beds

When you are planting a garden around your tree, protect your tree by following some simple guidelines about applying topsoil and avoiding the tree roots when planting. Then select plants that are compatible with your geographical region and the specific shade requirements of your garden plot. Lastly, learn how to plant your bed and maintain the plants with regular watering and care.

Method 1 of 3: Protecting your tree

Leave the base around the trunk of the tree free of any soil or mulch. Do your planting starting at least 12 inches from the tree’s trunk, and go out from there. Make sure that where the trunk becomes wider and the roots are exposed that the bark remains uncovered. Do not create a raised flower bed around the tree base. The bark on the exposed roots of a tree needs oxygen, and if the roots are covered they will rot over time.

Trim the low branches of your tree. You want to allow as much light as you can to reach the flowers and plants below your tree. So get out a pair of trimming shears and trim any low, thin branches. Remember, however, that living branches should be on at least ⅔ of the plant’s height, so never trim more than ⅓ of the living branches of your tree.

· You can get pruning shears at a hardware store.

· Only remove branches that are less than 5 cm in diameter.

· Trim thin V-shaped branches. Avoid trimming healthy U-shaped branches.

· Find a bud on the branch outside of the collar of the branch. The collar is where the branch meets the base of the tree and it is slightly swollen out. Cut at a slight angle of about an ¼ inch above the bud.

Try not to damage the trunk or roots when planting. Do not use your tools or shovel to move or cut any of the major roots of the tree. If you find a root that is bigger than 1 and ½ to 2 inches in diameter, move your hole a couple inches away to prevent cutting at the root accidentally. If you are planting between two major roots, make a hole just big enough to plant the plant or flower in. If you find roots while you are digging the bed, do not plant there, fill the soil back in, and find a new spot to plant.

Use a hand shovel instead of a larger shovel to avoid damaging the roots of your tree.

If you cut into mats of smaller tree roots while you are digging don’t worry - they will regrow without much trouble.

If you cut into the tree you make it more susceptible to disease and insect problems.

Know what kind of tree you are planting under. Depending on the kind of tree you are planting under, you should be more careful about how many plants you plant. You may want to plant under a tree that is better suited for gardening at its base. If you do have a tree that is more sensitive, consider starting small and choose a few small plants rather than creating a dense garden at the base of the tree. If you have a tree that is sensitive, create a plan for your garden that will span a few years, so your tree can gradually acclimate to the new planting.

· Be cautious when planting under these trees because they are sensitive about having their roots disturbed:

o Beeches

o Black oak

o Buckeyes

o Cherries and plums

o Dogwoods

o Hemlocks

o Larches

o Lindens

o Magnolias

o Pines

o Red oaks