When you want to create a flower bed around the tree, first you have to think about protecting the latter by following the simple instructions described in this article regarding the addition of topsoil and to prevent the roots from rotting. Next, you have to choose plants that are compatible with the climate, the geographical area in which you live and with exposure to the sun. Finally, learn how to plant and take care of the plants, watering them and giving them all the necessary attention.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Protect the Tree
Step 1. Clear the area around the base of the trunk of any soil or mulch
Make sure that the bed is at least 30 cm from the trunk and that it expands outwards from this point. Make sure the bark is not covered where the trunk becomes wider and where the roots are exposed. Do not create a raised flower bed around the base of the tree; the bark of the exposed roots needs oxygen, if you cover it it will rot over time.
Step 2. Cut off the lower branches of the plant
You need to make sure that the flowers and plants under the tree receive as much light as possible. Then take a pair of shears to remove all the low, thin branches. But remember that live branches should cover at least 2/3 of the height of the plant, so don't prune more than 1/3.
- You can purchase shears from garden centers or hardware stores.
- Only remove branches that are less than 5cm in diameter.
- Prune the thin ones that have a "V" shape and leave the healthy "U" looking ones intact.
- Find a bud on the branch, outside the branch collar. The collar is the slightly swollen point where the branch engages with the trunk. Practice the cut a little at an angle 6 mm above the bud.
Step 3. Try not to damage the trunk or roots when setting up the bed
Do not use the shovel or tools to move or cut the main roots of the tree. If you notice a root with a diameter of 4 to 5 cm, dig the hole about 5 cm from it, to avoid accidentally cutting it. If you are planting between two main roots, make a hole no larger than necessary to accommodate the flowers. If you come across roots while digging the bed, don't plant anything in that area, fill the hole with the soil you have moved and find another spot.
- Use a shovel instead of a large spade, so as not to damage the tree's root system.
- If you accidentally cut a tangle of small roots while digging, don't worry as they will grow back without too much trouble.
- If you cut into the bark, you expose the tree to an increased risk of disease and pest infestation.
Step 4. Recognize the type of tree you want to create a flower bed under
Depending on the variety, you need to carefully consider the number of flowers and plants you want to plant at the base. You need to create a flower bed around a tree that is well suited to this type of gardening work. If it is a delicate plant, consider planting a few small flowers instead of creating a very rich garden at its base. In this case, you should carry out a project that develops over a few years, so that the tree gradually adapts to neighboring plants.
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Be cautious when creating a flower bed under these trees, as they are very sensitive to alterations in their root system:
- Beech tree;
- Black oak (Quercus velutina);
- Horse chestnut;
- Cherry and plum trees;
- Dogwood;
- Tsuga canadense;
- Larch;
- Linden;
- Magnolia;
- Pine tree;
- Red oak;
- Quercus coccinea;
- Sugar Maple.
Method 2 of 3: Choose Plants
Create Tree Flower Beds Step 5 Step 1. Choose plants that are compatible with the shade and sun conditions of the area
First, you need to know how much light the flower bed receives. Observe the garden throughout the day and consider the changes in shade and sunlight it undergoes over the seasons. When you buy plants, the description you read on the label also indicates the needs in terms of exposure to the sun.
- Full sun means that the area you choose must receive direct sunlight for six hours or more in the middle of the day during the growing season. If the designated spot for the flower bed meets this criterion, you have plenty of plants to choose from.
- Partial sun refers to an area that receives direct sunlight from dawn until noon. In this case, we do not speak of "full sun", because the morning rays are not as intense as those of the central hours of the day.
- With "partial shade" we identify an area of the garden exposed to the sun from 3:00 pm until sunset. We speak of partial shade even when the light is filtered or partially blocked throughout the day.
- The term "in full shade" indicates the areas exposed to the north of a building or when the crown of the tree is very thick and does not allow the passage of sunlight. Although in this case the choice of plants is very small, you can still find some beautiful specimens to be planted in the flower bed.
Create Tree Flower Beds Step 6 Step 2. Consider the size of the plants when they have reached full maturity
Make sure that even when they are fully grown they can remain in the space you have dedicated to the flower bed at the base of the tree. Choose small, slow-growing plants. Those that get too high could block sunlight from those that remain small or invade the space of the branches of the tree.
Create Tree Flower Beds Step 7 Step 3. Choose the flowers to plant
By doing so, you will get a very beautiful flower bed. Consider burying groups of 3-5 different types of flowers or bushes for a more luxuriant and complex look. Don't neglect the climate; when buying plants, you need to make sure they can withstand the weather and geographic conditions of the region you live in. For example, if you live in the mountains of Trentino, you may find it difficult to grow plants that need a lot of heat and light even in winter.
Create Tree Flower Beds Step 8 Step 4. Choose a bush to plant at the base of the tree
This type of plant is easy to manage and gives an interesting touch to the flower bed. Remember that it must be a slow growing variety. Furthermore, when making your choice, you must not forget your exposure to sunlight and the climatic conditions of your region. Bushes grow very well at the base of trees because they thrive in low light and / or humidity.
Method 3 of 3: Burying and Caring for Plants
Create Tree Flower Beds Step 9 Step 1. Know when it's time to plant
You should plant any non-pansy flowers or plants in the spring after the last frost. Pansies are more robust and even stand up to cold. The other flowers, on the other hand, die if a frost occurs after planting them. Evaluate the date of the last cold period considering the previous year. You can do some research online to find out when the latest frost is expected in your region. There are many gardening and meteorology sites that can help you.
- Some plants thrive best if they are planted at a specific time or at certain temperatures, so scrupulously respect the directions on the package or label. For example, irises grow best if they are planted in late summer or early fall, rather than in spring. Do some online research on gardening sites for detailed information.
- When buying plants, remember that annuals only live for one season, while perennials live at least two.
Create Tree Flower Beds Step 10 Step 2. Establish the perimeter of the bed
It is not necessary to create a boundary; however, you should know what the border of the bed is in order to bury the plants inside it. Take a spade and trace the diameter of the flower bed. Remember that you must start planting the flowers and bushes no less than 30 cm from the tree, you can then trace the perimeter at a distance of 60 cm from the trunk.
Create Tree Flower Beds Step 11 Step 3. Take care of the soil in the flower bed
Loosen the earth with a trowel, remove any weeds or debris under the tree. Add 3-5 cm of topsoil on top of the loose soil; you can buy the pre-mixed one for perennials or annuals at the garden store.
Create Tree Flower Beds Step 12 Step 4. Dig a hole that is slightly deeper and wider than the container that holds the plant
For this, use your hands or a trowel. Remember to dig at least 5-6 cm from the roots of the tree and at least 30 cm from the base of the trunk.
Create Tree Flower Beds Step 13 Step 5. Gently remove the plant from the pot
If it is a single root complex with several flowers, push the plant from below and lift it by grabbing it by the roots. Untangle any roots that are stuck in the bottom of the bowl. If it is a potted plant, place one hand on the surface of the soil, turn the container upside down and let the plant fall back onto the palm.
Create Tree Flower Beds Step 14 Step 6. Loosen the roots
Grab the root system from the outside and gently loosen all the filaments that are along the edges. You need to keep the roots from forming a compact mass, so if you tease them a little, allow them to settle better in the soil.
Create Tree Flower Beds Step 15 Step 7. Place the plant in the hole and cover its roots with soil
Work gently and fill the hole with new soil to bury the roots. Press with your hands all the way around the base of the flowers. At this point, the plant is well established - repeat the process with the rest of the flowers and bushes before watering.
Always grab the plant by the roots and not by the stem
Create Tree Flower Beds Step 16 Step 8. Give the plants and flowers enough space to grow and weed regularly
When planting your chosen flowers and shrubs, do not stack them together. Try to figure out how long they will grow and take into account how dense you want the bed to become. Leave at least 5-8 cm between one plant and another; you also need to keep the bed free from weeds. Tear off any unwanted grass that grows around the flowers and plants with your hands, taking care to extract the roots as well. If you neglect this task, the weeds will suffocate the flowers and deprive them of nutrients.
Write down the days you should care for the weeds on your calendar so you can remember to do this
Create Tree Flower Beds Step 17 Step 9. Thoroughly water the area you planted
After having planted the plants, you need to wet them abundantly; when their roots have to compete with those of the tree, they need more water. Set up a watering schedule to know when you wet your plants and when you need to do it next time.
Create Tree Flower Beds Step 18 Step 10. Sprinkle a 2-3 cm layer of organic matter on the bed every year
You can use organic material or soil suitable for the type of flowers you have, regardless of whether they are perennial or annual. This is necessary because the bacteria and fungi found in the organic material feed the plants. You can create the organic blend yourself by composting vegetable residues, plant material from pruning and grass clippings, leaves or manure. All of this provides the plants with the nourishment they need to thrive year after year.
