One of the most frequent and costly mistakes homeowners and even seasoned landscapers make when designing their yards is placing landscape edging and planting trees too close to lawns or fences. Although this might initially look attractive, it leads to long-term headaches, additional expenses, and unnecessary maintenance.
The Hidden Costs of Poor Tree Planning
When trees are planted too close to lawn areas or property boundaries:
- Damaged Edging: Tree roots grow outward, eventually pushing against edging and fences, causing costly damage.
- Lawn Deterioration: Trees compete fiercely for water and nutrients, causing nearby grass to become patchy or completely dry out.
- Increased Maintenance: More frequent replacements or repairs of landscaping elements such as rock beds, decorative edging, or even fences.
Smart Landscaping Tips to Save You Money
- Plan Bigger Borders: Always plan for wider borders around trees at the outset. More generous borders accommodate growing tree roots and significantly reduce future edging repairs.
- Reduced Grass Areas: Limiting the grass area directly adjacent to trees minimizes water competition and ensures your lawn remains lush, green, and vibrant.
- Proper Spacing: Follow recommended guidelines for distance from edging and fencing based on tree species and expected growth. Typically, 3-5 feet from the trunk is a safe starting point.
Real-Life Example: Before and After
Imagine investing thousands in edging and landscaping only to have tree roots destroy it within a few years. We’ve seen homeowners repeatedly replace damaged edging, re-landscape their property, and struggle with deteriorating lawns. By adjusting the design upfront—larger borders and smarter landscaping—you can avoid this headache entirely.
(Check out our video for visual examples!) Transform Your Yard: Easy Landscaping Tricks Everyone Should Know
Long-Term Savings
- Reduced Maintenance Costs: Less frequent replacement of edging and landscape materials.
- Healthier Lawn: With proper border placement, your lawn remains healthier, saving on expensive irrigation and lawn care treatments.
- Improved Curb Appeal: Thoughtful planning enhances the aesthetic appeal of your landscape, boosting home value.
Easy Tips for Success:
- Border width recommendation: At least 3-5 feet from the base of the tree.
- Use mulch or decorative rock: Ideal for these larger borders as they prevent weeds, retain moisture, and reduce maintenance.
- Consider root barriers: For very aggressive tree species, root barriers can help direct root growth away from edging and lawn areas.
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At A Better Edge, we specialize in professional landscape curbing and permanent decorative lighting. Our team is committed to helping you avoid costly landscaping mistakes and achieve beautiful, long-lasting results.
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Planting trees too close to fences or without considering their mature size can lead to issues such as damaged fencing, disrupted edging, and compromised lawn health. To assist you further, here are some resources and guidelines:
1. Tree Planting Guidelines:
- Denver Office of the City Forester: Provides detailed tree planting requirements, including spacing based on mature canopy size and proximity to infrastructure. Tree planting detail PDF
- The Park People: Offers tree spacing guidelines, recommending medium to large trees be spaced 35 feet apart, with variations based on soil volume and canopy width at maturity. https://theparkpeople.org/What-We-Do/Denver-Digs-Trees/Tree-Spacing-Guidelines
- Arbor Day Foundation: Advises planting small trees (up to 25 feet tall) at least 8 to 10 feet from walls, medium trees (up to 40 feet) at least 15 feet away, and large trees (over 40 feet) at least 20 feet from walls. https://www.arborday.org/perspectives/planting-right-tree-right-place
2. Landscaping Mistakes to Avoid:
- University of Florida’s Gardening Solutions: Highlights common landscaping mistakes, such as planting without considering a plant’s mature size, which can lead to overcrowding and maintenance challenges. https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/florida-friendly/top-ten-landscaping-mistakes/
- Install-It-Direct: Discusses 25 common landscaping mistakes, including failing to consider maintenance requirements and not setting a budget in advance. https://www.installitdirect.com/learn/common-landscaping-mistakes-to-avoid/
- Designer Landscapes: Lists front yard landscaping mistakes, emphasizing the importance of not planting trees and plants too close to the house to prevent damage and maintenance issues. https://www.designer-landscapes.com/Blog/Posts/16/Landscaping//10-Front-Yard-Landscape-Mistakes-and-How-To-Avoid-Them/blog-post/
3. Additional Resources:
- City of Colorado Springs: Provides tree planting guidelines, recommending specific spacing and considerations for planting near infrastructure.
Did you know that the University was founded on a treeless plain? Currently, the campus forest consists of around 5,000 trees, most of which are cared for CU’s Facilities Management.
https://www.colorado.edu/cumuseum/programs/adults/tree-walk#:~:text=In%20fact%2C%20the%20University%20was,cared%20for%20CU’s%20Facilities%20Management.
“My go to source for all tree information is Levi with Heidrich Colorado tree farm nursery off Woodmen and Templeton Gap Road in ColoradoSprings – Chad Livingston
Here’s their website: https://www.coloradotreefarmnursery.com/
These resources offer comprehensive information on proper tree planting practices and common landscaping pitfalls, helping you make informed decisions for a sustainable and low-maintenance landscape.
