Lay out the tree grate correctly and plant it

The area under trees is often with race covered. But it doesn't have to be that way. Try a practical tree grate. We'll tell you here how to properly plant and plant a tree grate.

Reason for a tree grate

Tree grates are areas around trees that are not overgrown with lawn. But why should one create a tree grate? 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. Further advantages of a tree grate are:

• facilitates lawn maintenance
• protects the trunk from injury
• visually more beautiful

Create tree grate

So that you can take advantage of a tree grate, you should put it on correctly. An improper execution may not completely exclude the grass. We will therefore show you here how to correctly create a tree grate:

1. Lay out paving stones or other boundaries
2. Place stones on the lawn at the desired distance around the tree, 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, have them ready within reach
5. Cut the grass very flat within the marking
6. Compact the edge of the earth
7. Lay stones on a 3 to 5 cm thick layer of sand and beat 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 cutter
10. Scatter horn shavings and then bark mulch
11. Sweep sand into the joints of the stones

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

Planting tree grates: timing

For the first 5 years, the tree disc of young trees should only be filled with mulch. This does not prevent them from growing. Afterwards, however, the tree grate does not have to remain empty or be dismantled. It is now suitable as the perfect flowerbed. Established trees even mostly benefit from the new plants. In principle, tree grates can be planted from spring to autumn. The best time, however, is late summer, around July. Then the trees have finished their growth phase and take less water from the plants. In addition, the plants have enough time to firmly root themselves in the new environment before winter.

Note: As the trees get older, planting becomes more and more difficult. This is because the roots are increasingly spreading. Finding vacancies is extremely difficult there.

How to: Plant a tree slice

Basically, all trees that belong to the heart or Deep roots belong. These include, for example:

• Fruit trees
• Rowanberry
• Apple thorn
• jaw
• Oak
• Sweet chestnut
• rowan

But not all tree grates are easy to plant. The disks of shallow-rooted trees such as birch or spruce are difficult to plant. This is due to the strong, superficial root network. This robs other plants of water and nutrients. The walnut tree is also unsuitable. It contains essential oils that inhibit the growth of other plants. Except for these factors, it is quite easy to eventually plant a tree slice. To do this, just proceed as follows:

1. Carefully loosen the soil without damaging the roots and remove weeds
2. Find gaps in the root network
3. Carefully dig a hole at the point, max. 10 cm deep
4. Immerse the root ball of the plants in water until no more air bubbles are visible
5. Insert plants
6. Water the tree grate well
7. empty area with Bark mulch fill up to protect plants from drying out

Tip: In many cities, too, you can plant areas under trees or sponsor this area. Just ask about this at your green space office.

Suitable plants

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

• Lighting conditions
• Root formation
• Soil moisture
• Soil quality (sandy, loamy ...)

Plants for more translucent tree grates

Many plants need a sunny to partially shaded place. You can find this in larger tree grates, for example. The following plants are ideal for this:

• Lady's mantle
• lavender 
• Catnip
• Clove root 
• Japan sedge

Plants for shady locations

The plants receive little light under large deciduous trees such as beeches. But also for shady places are there the perfect plants:

• Hostas
• Johannis herbs
• Bluebells
• Evergreen
• spotted dead nettle

Locations

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

Location: close to the trunk

• Japanese ornamental fern
• Forest poppy
• Golden strawberry
• Smelly hellebore

Location: middle to outer tree slice

• Dwarf hostas
• Purple bells
• Large star umbels
• Clove root
• Japan sedge

Suitable for all tree grates

• Cranesbill
• Larkspur
• Elven flower

Combine the plants so that a balanced mixture is created. Light blossoms, for example, compensate for dark areas. If you water the plants regularly, your bed should soon bloom vigorously.

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

frequently asked Questions