Willow Hand loves her Exmark mower, but admits that cutting around trees on her property can be tricky at times. The solution she and fiancé Josh Knight come up with? Installing landscaping around trees to prevent unwanted damage, as well as keep weeds at bay. Watch the DIY couple show you how in this Backyard Life video.
Beyond the damage running over roots could do to her Willow’s mower, there are other reasons the couple chose to landscape around trees. Namely, they don’t care for the scrubby weeds that have made the area around the base of the tree less than tidy.
Willow and Josh have decided to install a paver border around each of their trees, making this a three-part project. First, they set the pavers to determine their specific footprint. Then, they spray all the weeds with a non-toxic, tree-safe herbicide. Finally, they remove the pavers and use a hoe to dig up weeds underneath the pavers.
Once they’ve dug out the weeds, they place the pavers in the circle as efficiently as possible. With the pavers in place, Josh uses a shovel to backfill wood mulch, then his hoe to smooth it out evenly. The finished product is as professional-looking as it is beautiful.
Josh notes there are a number of paver colors (beyond the red clay color they chose) to match virtually any home color. (And, he says there are a variety of paver textures to choose from, as well.)
Finally, Josh mentions other border options for landscaping around trees and gardens. Black plastic or metal edging can also be used in place of pavers. As long as you insulate your trees from weeds, and make enough room for your mower, it’s ultimately about going with a solution that works best for you.
