Landscaping around Trees: 6 Mistakes to Avoid

Landscaping trees is something that can change the look of your home. Trees can sometimes be overlooked as important parts of your overall landscaping. However, they are very powerful and can either pull your entire design together or make everything look out of place. Landscaping around trees is also an area of great importance. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid during your landscaping process.

Lack of Planning

Not having a comprehensive plan in your landscaping is like trying to drive cross country without a map. Your plan adds a logical approach to what you are going to be doing. This is especially true when landscaping trees. Whether you're planting new trees, or planting around the tree, having a plan will help your landscaping have flow and meaning instead of just making it up as you go.

Not Checking for Wires

One of the most common mistakes that people make is believing they know where the underground wires or utilities are. Most of the time they are wrong. Take the time to call your local utility company and request a check of your land. It may take a few days, but it is very important to your safety. This one mistake can be costly to your wallet, and your health.

Installing the Wrong Tree

You might want to have the beautiful, stately oak tree as the anchor to your overall landscaping. However, because of the distance to the road, power lines, house, or other variables, that stately looking oak may be too large. It might not be as a small tree, but it will be when it grows. Make sure you take the time to choose a tree that is not going to overgrow your area. Roots can cause damage and the need to continually cut branches to keep from damaging your roof or power lines can be annoying.

Digging into Roots

Planting flowers around trees is a nice way to add style and break up the lines around the tree. However, you can often damage the roots of the tree by planting these flowers. This can cause distress, and even death to the tree. When digging into the ground around a tree, take care not to cut into the roots.

Mowing Too Closely to Tree

Mowing your lawn can damage trees in your landscaping if you mow too close to the base of the tree. Riding mowers can bump into the tree or even cut the roots along the surface of the lawn. The best way to fix this mistake is to clear out the sod around the tree and use some decorative landscape edging as a border. Plant some small flowers inside the border, or place a layer of mulch.

Setting Landscaping Elements Too Close

Everyone likes to have a small seating area under a great shade tree. However, when setting the table, chair, bench, or other landscaping element too close to a tree, it can turn into a sticky affair. Sap, bird droppings, or other dirt and debris will fall onto your seating, or even yourself. Avoid this mistake by keeping some distance from the tree but still catching some of the shade.