The area under trees is often covered with grass. But that doesn't have to be the case. Try your hand at a practical tree disc. Here we will tell you how to properly create and plant a tree disc.

In a nutshell

  • Separate the tree grate from the lawn with stones
  • Do not plant tree pits on young trees for 5 years
  • Choose plants based on tree species, incidence of light and humidity
  • large selection of suitable plants

Reason for a tree disc

Tree pits are areas around trees that are not overgrown with grass. But why should you create a tree disc? Especially with young trees, a tree disc contributes to better development. This is because the trees no longer have to compete with the lawn for water or nutrients. So they can grow better. Other advantages of a tree disc are:

  • facilitates lawn care
  • protects the trunk from injury
  • visually nicer

Create a tree disc

In order to be able to use the advantages of a tree disc, you should also put it on correctly. Improper execution may not completely shut out the weed. We will therefore show you here how to properly create a tree disc:

  1. Lay out paving stones or other boundaries
  2. Place stones at the desired distance around the tree on the lawn, average diameter 80 to 100 cm
  3. Pierce the sod on the outer edges of the stones
  4. Remove stones from the inside of the cut circle, put them within easy reach
  5. Clear grass very flat within the mark
  6. compact the edge of the earth
  7. Lay the stones on a 3 to 5 cm thick layer of sand and hit them at lawn level
  8. For weekly work with a ride-on mower, plan an additional 10 to 15 cm thick gravel base layer under the stones
  9. Remove weeds by hand or weed rake
  10. Spread horn shavings and then bark mulch
  11. Sweep sand into the joints of the stones
Fill the area of the tree disc with bark mulch to prevent grass and weeds.

Tip: Simply recycle old cobblestones of different sizes for the stone circle. The different sizes make the circle nice and round and the joints stay tight.

Plant tree discs: when

In the first 5 years, the tree pit of young trees should only be filled with mulch. This does not prevent them from growing. However, the tree disc does not have to remain empty or dissolved afterwards. It is now the perfect flower bed. Established trees usually benefit from the new plants. In principle, tree discs can be planted from spring to autumn. However, the best time is in late summer, around July. Then the trees have finished their growth phase and take less water away from the plants. It also gives the plants enough time to become firmly rooted in the new environment before winter.

Notice: Planting becomes more and more difficult as trees age. This is because the roots are progressively spreading. It is extremely difficult to find vacancies there.

How to: plant a tree disc

In principle, all trees that belong to the heart or deep roots are suitable. These include, for example:

  • fruit trees
  • rowanberry
  • apple thorn
  • jaw
  • Oak
  • sweet chestnut
  • rowan

But not all tree discs are easy to plant. The discs of shallow-rooted trees such as birch or spruce are difficult to plant. This is due to the strong root network close to the surface. This deprives other plants of the opportunity for water and nutrients. The walnut tree is also not suitable. It contains essential oils that inhibit the growth of other plants. Barring these factors, it is fairly easy to eventually plant a tree pit. To do this, simply proceed as follows:

  1. Loosen the soil carefully without damaging the roots and remove weeds
  2. Locate gaps in the root system
  3. carefully dig a hole at the spot, max. 10 cm deep
  4. Submerge the root balls of the plants in water until no more air bubbles are visible
  5. use plants
  6. Water the tree disc well
  7. fill empty space with bark mulch to protect plants from drying out
Planting trees in cities beautifies the cityscape and helps the environment.

Tip: In many cities, too, you can plant areas under trees or become a sponsor of this area. Just ask at your parks office.

Suitable plants

But which plants should you plant on the tree disc now? In general, perennials, grasses, ferns and small shrubs that are adapted to forest life are best for the area under trees. However, which plants can actually be settled under the tree depends on various factors:

  • lighting conditions
  • rooting
  • soil moisture
  • Soil conditions (sandy, loamy…)

Plants for more translucent tree discs

Many plants need a sunny to semi-shady place. You can find this in larger tree discs. The following plants are ideal for this:

  • lady's mantle
  • lavender
  • catnip
  • clove root
  • Japan sedge

Plants for shady locations

Under large deciduous trees such as beech, the plants receive little light. But there are also perfect plants for shady places:

  • hosts
  • Johannis herbs
  • bluebells
  • periwinkle
  • spotted deadnettle

Locations

In general, it should be noted that the soil near the trunk is the driest. Humidity increases towards the edge of the tree disc. Therefore, when planting the tree disc, you should pay attention to where you can place which plants in the bed.

Each plant grows best in a different location.

Location: close to the trunk

  • Japanese ornamental fern
  • forest poppies
  • golden strawberry
  • Stinking Hellebore

Location: middle to outer tree disk

  • dwarf hostas
  • Purplebells
  • Large masterwort
  • clove root
  • Japan sedge

Suitable for all tree discs

  • cranesbill
  • Corydalis
  • elf flower

Combine the plants to create a balanced mix. Bright blossoms, for example, compensate for dark areas. If you water the plants regularly, your bed should soon be blooming vigorously.

Tip: It is best to create a planting plan in advance. Then you know exactly how many plants you need. The color combinations are also clear.

frequently asked Questions

Do I have to fertilize the plants in the tree disc?

It is recommended to apply a small amount of fertilizer to new plantings in spring. In this way, the plants are sufficiently supplied with nutrients. As soon as the area is densely overgrown, fertilizer is no longer necessary.

What is the difference between deep, shallow and heart roots?

Shallow roots grow as a dense network of roots below the surface of the earth. Heart roots also have a flat root network, but it is by far not as dense as with flat roots. Deep-rooters strike their roots deep down.

Do I need to fill up the topsoil before planting?

No, it is usually sufficient to loosen the soil slightly. Top soil should then be applied in small amounts. Too much topsoil, however, means that the trees will eventually suffer from a lack of oxygen.

Does it make sense to plant the tree disc of fruit trees?

Yes, the plants serve as pest or disease control, provide nutrients or attract beneficial insects. However, you should be aware that this makes fruit harvesting more difficult. The fruits can no longer be harvested simply by approaching. Sometimes they fall into the bed. It is therefore best to harvest the flowers beforehand.

Category:

Garden design