20 Best Landscaping Around Trees Ideas

Transform your outdoor space into a tranquil oasis with these stunning landscaping around trees ideas! From statement tree stumps to serene seating areas, discover 20 creative ways to enhance your tree’s natural beauty while adding functionality and visual appeal to your yard.

Create a Tree Ring Border with Mulch or Stone

A tree ring border using mulch or stone is a simple yet effective way to add some curb appeal to your yard. This border serves as a protective barrier around the tree, keeping lawn mowers and other equipment at bay while also suppressing weeds and retaining moisture.

Plus, it adds a decorative touch with the contrasting texture and color of the mulch or stone against the grass.

Choose a material that complements the tree’s natural beauty and your yard’s overall aesthetic.

Plant a Flower Bed Underneath with Seasonal Blooms

A flower bed underneath the tree adds a pop of color and vibrancy to the entire landscape. Choose a mix of annuals and perennials that bloom at different times to ensure a constant display of flowers throughout the seasons.

Consider shade-tolerant plants like impatiens, coleus, or astilbe for under tree beds that receive partial shade.

Add Outdoor Lighting to Highlight the Tree’s Beauty

Adding outdoor lighting is an excellent way to accentuate the beauty of your tree, especially at night.

Strategically placed lights can create a warm and inviting ambiance, drawing attention to the tree’s unique features such as its shape, size, and color.

Uplighting, for instance, can make the tree appear taller and more majestic, while downlighting can create a sense of warmth and coziness.

By highlighting the tree’s beauty, outdoor lighting can also make your outdoor space feel more welcoming and increase your home’s curb appeal.

Incorporate Ornamental Grasses for Texture and Movement

Ornamental grasses bring a mesmerizing texture and movement to your landscape around trees, especially when the wind whispers through their delicate blades. They add a soft, fluid element that contrasts beautifully with the sturdy tree trunks and branches.

With varieties like pampas grass, fountain grass, and blue oat grass, you can choose the perfect hue and texture to complement your tree’s natural beauty.

As they sway gently in the breeze, ornamental grasses create a sense of softness and serenity, drawing the eye towards the tree’s majesty.

Build a Natural Stone or Brick Patio Around the Tree

A natural stone or brick patio around the tree adds a touch of elegance to your outdoor space.

The rustic charm of natural materials blends seamlessly with the tree’s beauty, creating a harmonious ambiance.

By incorporating a patio around the tree, you create an inviting spot to relax, socialize, or simply enjoy nature’s serenity.

Use a Tree Well or Tree Pit to Define the Space

A tree well or tree pit is a simple yet effective way to create a sense of separation between the tree and the surrounding landscape. By digging a shallow pit around the base of the tree, you can create a clear visual distinction between the tree’s root zone and the rest of the yard.

This can be especially helpful for smaller trees or those with spreading canopies that might otherwise get lost in the surrounding foliage.

Incorporate a Statue or Sculpture for Visual Interest

A well-placed statue or sculpture can add an unexpected layer of visual interest to your tree landscaping. By choosing a piece that complements the surrounding foliage and landscape style, you can create a beautiful focal point that draws the eye and invites exploration.

Consider a sculpture that echoes the natural forms of the trees, such as a flowing metal piece or a stone carving with organic shapes.

Add a Bench or Seating Area for Relaxation

Adding a bench or seating area around your trees creates an inviting spot to pause and appreciate nature’s beauty.

A beautifully placed bench beneath a sprawling canopy or amidst a lush garden bed encourages relaxation and contemplation.

Incorporate comfortable outdoor furniture and soft cushions to create a cozy nook that beckons you to sit, stay, and savor the serenity of your surroundings.

Plant Ground Covers to Suppress Weeds and Erosion

Planting ground covers around trees is a simple yet effective way to suppress weeds and prevent erosion. By filling in the gaps between tree roots, ground covers like thyme, creeping juniper, and vinca minorshade out weeds, reducing competition for water and nutrients.

They also help hold soil in place, preventing erosion and soil compaction.

Create a Focal Point with a Statement Tree Stump

A statement tree stump can be a stunning focal point in your landscaping design. This unique element adds visual interest and creates a conversation-starting centerpiece.

You can place a bold, brightly colored pot or planter on top of the stump, or surround it with smaller plants and flowers to draw the eye towards it.

Alternatively, you can leave the stump in its natural state, allowing its rugged beauty to speak for itself.

Incorporate Hanging Baskets or Planters for Added Color

Hanging baskets or planters are a great way to add a pop of color to the landscape around your trees. They can be placed at varying heights and angles to create visual interest and draw the eye upward.

Choose plants with trailing vines or flowers in bold, bright hues to create a stunning display.

Plus, they’re easy to move around or swap out seasonally to update the look.

Use Tree Surrounds or Tree Grates for Urban Landscaping

Tree surrounds or tree grates are a fantastic way to enhance the aesthetic appeal of urban landscaping around trees.

They not only provide a clean and uniform look but also protect the tree’s roots from damage caused by pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

By using tree surrounds or grates, you can ensure the tree’s health while creating a beautiful and functional urban space.

Plus, they come in a variety of designs and materials, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your urban landscape.

Build a Raised Bed Around the Tree for Extra Planting Space

A raised bed around the tree is a fantastic way to increase planting space without compromising the tree’s growth.

By building a circular or square bed around the trunk, you can create a defined area for additional plants, flowers, or groundcovers.

This not only adds visual appeal but also helps to suppress weeds and retain moisture in the soil.

Incorporate Drought-Tolerant Plants for Low Maintenance

Incorporate Drought-Tolerant Plants for Low Maintenance Drought-tolerant plants are a great choice for landscaping around trees as they require minimal watering and care.

Succulents and cacti are popular options, but you can also consider plants like yarrow, creeping thyme, and sedum.

These plants come in a variety of textures, colors, and forms, making them a great addition to your tree landscaping.

They’ll not only reduce your watering duties but also add a unique, low-maintenance touch to your outdoor space.

Add a Birdbath or Bird Feeder for Wildlife Interest

Adding a birdbath or bird feeder is a wonderful way to attract wildlife to your tree-landscaped yard. Not only will it bring in a variety of bird species, but it will also provide endless entertainment for you and your family.

A birdbath will offer a refreshing spot for birds to drink and bathe, while a bird feeder will provide a constant supply of food.

By doing so, you’ll create a bustling hub of activity that will keep you engaged for hours on end. Plus, it’s a great way to support local bird populations and add some natural beauty to your outdoor space.

Use Solar-Powered Lighting for Energy Efficiency

Solar-powered lighting is an excellent option for landscaping around trees, as it provides a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to illuminate your outdoor space.

These lights harness the sun’s energy during the day and convert it into electricity, reducing your reliance on traditional power sources.

Not only do they lower your energy bills, but they also minimize your carbon footprint, making them an environmentally responsible choice.

Create a Themed Landscape Around the Tree

A themed landscape around your tree can elevate the entire outdoor space. Consider a whimsical fairy garden beneath a delicate willow tree, complete with tiny furniture and sparkling lights.

Alternatively, create a rustic woodland scene around a sturdy oak, featuring natural stone and native plants.

Whatever your style, a themed landscape allows you to express your personality and create a unique focal point in your yard.

Incorporate Stepping Stones or a Meandering Path

Incorporating stepping stones or a meandering path around your trees creates a visually appealing and functional landscaping feature.

Stepping stones allow for easy access to the tree’s base while meandering paths encourage exploration and appreciation of the surrounding plants.

Both options break up large lawn areas, adding texture and interest to the landscape.

Add a Tree House or Play Structure for Kids

A tree house or play structure can bring magic to your backyard and create lifelong memories for kids. By incorporating a play area around a tree, you can encourage outdoor play, foster imagination, and promote a connection with nature.

This feature can also increase your property’s value and become a standout feature in your landscape design.