15 Creative Ways to Transform the Space Around Your Trees
You’ve got beautiful trees in your yard, but the bare ground around them feels like a missed opportunity.
Whether you’re dealing with challenging shade or awkward root systems, these landscaping ideas will help you create stunning spaces that complement your trees perfectly.
From colorful plantings to creative hardscaping, you’ll discover how to turn every tree into a gorgeous focal point that enhances your entire outdoor space.
01. Create Magic with Shade-Loving Plants
Credit: Design by Hively Landscapes / Photo by James Theisen
You’ll love how vibrant hostas and white-blooming shrubs can completely transform the dark areas under your trees.
These shade-loving champions thrive in spots where other plants struggle, creating lush green carpets that make your pathways feel like enchanted garden walks.
02. Design Your Own Boxwood Maze
Credit: Design by Zeterre Landscape Architecture / Photo by Stephen Suzman
Imagine creating a stunning labyrinth of boxwood hedges around your Japanese maple – it’s easier than you think!
You can start small and expand over time, adding layers of texture with coral bells and ornamental grasses that create year-round visual interest.
03. Frame Olive Trees with Rich Mulch
Credit: Design by Carson Douglas Landscape Architecture / Photo by Carson Joyce Douglas
Your olive trees will look absolutely magnificent when you surround them with native redwood mulch and carefully chosen Mediterranean plants.
This drought-tolerant combination works beautifully in warm climates, giving you that sophisticated vineyard aesthetic right in your own backyard.
04. Add Color with Low-Maintenance Succulents
Credit: White Sands
You can instantly boost your home’s curb appeal by creating a vibrant succulent garden around mature trees.
These hardy plants require minimal water and care while providing gorgeous colors and textures that look amazing year-round, especially in sunny spots.
05. Cover Ground with Lush Ferns
Credit: EPT Design / Photo by Jack Coyier
Foxtail ferns create the perfect no-mow ground cover that gives your trees a tropical, resort-like setting.
You’ll appreciate how these low-maintenance beauties spread naturally, eliminating the need for constant weeding while creating soft, flowing textures around tree bases.
06. Build a Charming English Garden
Credit: Lady Landscape
You can achieve that effortless English countryside look by layering different plants in seemingly random but carefully planned arrangements.
Mix flowering perennials, herbs, and ornamental grasses to create a cottage garden that feels both wild and welcoming around your trees.
07. Install a Desert Cactus Paradise
Credit: Succulent Designs LA / Photo by Michael Romero
Your heat-loving trees will thrive when surrounded by a carefully designed cactus garden with golden barrel cacti and decorative stones.
This drought-resistant approach creates dramatic visual impact while requiring minimal maintenance, perfect for busy homeowners who love striking landscapes.
08. Build a Custom Deck Integration
Credit: Ohashi Design Studio / Photo by J. Michael Tucker
Instead of removing existing trees, you can create amazing outdoor living spaces by building decks that flow seamlessly around the trunks.
This approach adds valuable square footage to your entertaining area while preserving mature trees that provide natural shade and privacy.
09. Add Texture with Native Grasses
Credit: Carson Douglas Landscape Architecture
You’ll create stunning visual movement by surrounding your trees with flowing native grasses and decorative stone elements.
This combination works beautifully in raised beds, giving you layers of texture that change with the seasons while supporting local wildlife.
10. Mix Hostas with Colorful Accents
Credit: Flo’s Gardens
Your shaded areas will come alive when you combine classic hostas with bright firecracker plants in raised stone beds.
This pairing gives you reliable green foliage plus seasonal pops of color that brighten up darker corners of your yard beautifully.
11. Expand Living Space with Tree Decks
Credit: Tim Davies Landscaping
You can maximize your outdoor entertaining space by building decks that incorporate existing trees as natural architectural features.
This solution protects tree roots from foot traffic while creating defined seating areas that showcase your trees’ beautiful branching patterns.
12. Transform Rooftops into Green Retreats
Credit: John Davies Landscape
Your rooftop terrace can become a private garden oasis with carefully selected trees planted in stylish contemporary containers.
Japanese maples and trained shrubs create intimate outdoor rooms that feel like luxury spa retreats high above the city streets.
13. Plant Seasonal Flower Rings
Credit: Finding Lovely
You’ll create stunning seasonal displays by planting rings of tulips or other bulbs in perfect circles around your trees.
This simple technique delivers maximum visual impact each spring, turning ordinary lawn areas into showstopping focal points that neighbors will admire.
14. Layer Plants for Maximum Impact
Credit: Lisa Hallett Taylor
You can create enchanting cottage garden vibes by filling every available space with carefully chosen perennials, vines, and decorative elements.
This layered approach gives you constant color and interest while making your trees feel like natural centerpieces in a storybook setting.
15. Create Elegant Ground Carpets
Credit: Donna Lynn Landscape Design
Your mature oaks will look absolutely regal when surrounded by silvery spotted dead nettle and spreading groundcovers in defined borders.
These vigorous plants create lush carpets that suppress weeds naturally while adding sophisticated texture and seasonal flower clusters.
Final Thoughts
You now have fifteen incredible ways to transform those awkward spaces around your trees into stunning landscape features.
Remember that the best approach depends on your climate, soil conditions, and personal style preferences.
Start with one tree and experiment – you’ll be amazed at how these simple changes can completely elevate your entire outdoor space.
