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Curb appeal! Curb appeal! – It was one of the prime things that I wanted to hit on my checklist while buying a new house. In reality, that was not the case though! When I went to the showing of the house (which I own currently), I simply overlooked the front yard that had a huge Oak tree, deprived of any edging or mulching. At that time, I didn’t know the importance of edging and mulching around trees.
Chuck out the curb appeal! Let’s aim at more important things!! My mind said. Me and my husband focussed more on the foundation, elevation, interiors and the backyard of the house. These factors pretty much sealed the deal for us. Now, 2 years after buying the house, the curb appeal started to nag my mind. Not a big deal! We called in a professional landscaping agent and requested a quote for installing a tree border. It was way over budget as we had other pressing house projects in the pipeline. So, my husband postponed the project for the following year, which I couldn’t agree to. Therefore, I decided to do the edging and mulching around trees myself! After some in-depth research, I headed to the nearby Lowe’s and bought all the necessary materials. I was doubtful initially, but was very satisfied by the end result. Anyone can easily execute this simple tree border design without help. Just follow these steps:
Things needed for Edging and Mulching around Trees:
- No Dig Landscape Edging – $19.98
- Weed Barrier Fabric – $14.98
- Landscaping pins – $6.98
- Inch tape
- Shovel
- Concrete Edging Stones – $1.68/ea
- Quikrete – Optional
Step 1 – Outlining the Tree Border:
The first step is to create an outline along which we are going to lay the landscape edging. To do that, use an Inch Tape and mark a specific length (22 inches in my case) from the center of the tree to the far edge. Keep marking along the edge until you hit a perfect circle around the tree. You can use a shovel to slightly dig an outline along the border or use spray paint. Either way works!
Step 2 – Lay the Landscape Edging:
There are several landscape edging materials available in the market. I chose the EasyFlex 20 ft plastic black landscape edging, which costs just $19.98 at Lowe’s. Basically, it creates tight circles without having to dig (I would like to keep it simple and efficient). Let’s leave the digging part to professionals;-) Now, lay the edging along the tree border that we outlined and secure it using the stakes (8 included) that come with the kit.
Step 3 – Lay the Weed Barrier:
The next step in edging and mulching around trees is laying the weed barrier fabric. I used the Sta-Green 50-ft x 3-ft Basic Gardening Patio/Playset Landscape Fabric, priced at $14.98. Simply eyeball how much fabric you need, cut to length, lay the fabric covering the area inside the tree border and secure using the Sta-Green 25-Pack 4-in Metal Landscape Stakes, priced at $6.98. Try to cover the entire area with the fabric to prevent weeds from growing.
Step 4 – Lay the Concrete Edging Stones:
There are multiple options to choose from when it comes to concrete edging stones. I chose the more economical option – The 8-in x 3-in x 4-in Britt Beige Concrete Retaining Wall Block, priced at $1.68. I roughly bought 20 of them but needed only 17 for the tree ring. I simply laid the bricks along the landscape edging and the whole tree border started taking shape. At this stage, if you want a more solid foundation, you can use Quikrete to secure the blocks in their place permanently. I omitted this step because I wanted to see how far this ring holds up without mortaring. Also, I can change to more appealing bricks in the future without any gut job. You also have the option of laying multiple layers of bricks to create a raised retaining concrete wall. This step definitely requires Quikrete to secure the base layer.
Step 5 – Mulching around the Tree:
The final step in edging and mulching around trees is adding mulch! Before doing that, you can add colorful flowering plants to create a raised flower bed inside the tree border. To do so, simply cut out an ‘X’ shape in the weed barrier fabric using a knife, dig a small hole and plant wherever you want the placement to be. Once you are satisfied with the arrangement of the flowering plants, add a generous amount of mulch to the bed. I used the Premium 2-cu ft Black Hardwood Mulch, priced at $3.98. That’s it! You are all done!!! My project was done for just under $75!!
What does Edging and Mulching around Trees mean?
Edging and mulching around trees is a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy and aesthetically pleasing landscape. Edging refers to creating a clean and defined border around trees, while mulching involves applying a layer of organic or inorganic material around the base of the tree. Together, these practices provide numerous benefits to both the tree and the surrounding environment.
Importance of Edging and Mulching around Trees:
- Edging around trees involves creating a barrier between the tree and the surrounding landscape. This barrier prevents grass, weeds, and other plants from encroaching on the tree’s root zone, which can compete with the tree for water and nutrients.
- Additionally, edging helps prevent damage to the tree’s trunk from lawnmowers or other landscaping equipment. By providing a clear border around the tree, edging also helps define the tree as a distinct element in the landscape, enhancing its visual appeal.
- Mulching, on the other hand, involves adding a layer of organic or inorganic material around the base of the tree. Organic mulch, such as wood chips, leaves, or straw, can help retain moisture in the soil, reducing the need for watering.
- Additionally, organic mulch slowly breaks down over time, adding nutrients to the soil and improving soil structure. Inorganic mulch, such as gravel or rocks, also helps retain moisture and prevent weed growth, but does not add nutrients to the soil.
Conclusion:
You do not know whether a project you undertake is easy or hard unless you give it a try. Do not fear taking risks. By creating a clean and defined border around trees and adding a layer of organic or inorganic material around the base of the tree, you can help support healthy growth and development of the tree while enhancing its visual appeal. When you do it on your own, you enjoy a great deal of satisfaction while saving a fortune.
