Tree patio dilemma
We have recently had our garden revamped and kept a tree which is now in a new patio area! I need suggestions on how to make it look more finished and look nice without damaging the top roots and trunk of the tree.
Raised sleeper with shady plants was our initial idea but would this cause the roots to rot with too much moisture? How about raised edging stones /boulders and a thin layer of mulch and plants? Or plants in pots and put under the tree. I have no idea what to do!
Comments (15)
R S
last yearRelated Discussions
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Comments (42)Hi original poster! I know it’s 7 years since you asked this but would love to know what you did. We are not in a similar position with a similar looking house at the back but even steeper. I know that a full extension and lowering the internal floors would be ideal but we can’t afford that and need a 5-7 year fix. Please let us know what you decided and why ☺️...See MorePatio tiling dilemma
Comments (2)Have a look at silver-grey granite. Its nice and light in colour and will look good with your bricks and windows....See MoreOur Garden Patio and Border Dilemma
Comments (9)Hello, Looks like you have a very nice space there! Regarding your narrow border, I would suggest some pleached trees to go in there (such as in the picture below) . They are great to give you some height and do not occupy a lot of space at all. As Sonia said, you can attempt to amend your soil by digging some grit it, but the most straight forward solution in my view is to choose plants that tolerate the conditions of a heavy clay soil. Roses, some varieties of crab apples and the evergreen holy tree (which is easily found in the pleached format) are some ideas. Drip irrigation is a good idea, but heavy clay soils are very water retentive (usually puddling is a problem with this soil and not dryness). As Sonia said, newly planted plants do need more watering to stimulate the roots system to establish in the new location. The idea of putting a sofa do block children's access to the change of level in the patio is good as it will add to the cozy feel you are after. A wooden pergola on top of it as the ones that you suggested is a very good idea. You can also get retractable roofs to give you the possibility of shelter from the sun. Sonia's idea of planting scented climbers on the pergola is a very good one as well. Another idea is to add a brick edging around your patio to mark the edges and make the change of levels a bit more obvious and secure. Another idea for your gate are is to select plants that can grow through the gravel layer (provided that the gravel is not on top of concrete). As Sonia pointed out, potted plants do require much more watering than plants on the ground (once these are established). So this would be a good alternative. I provide planting plans, which provide you with planting that is suited to the garden conditions and to your preferences and needs. This service can be done online. If this interests you, please get in touch....See MoreI'm looking for a multi-stemmed tree to plant directly into patio
Comments (3)Hello, I really like both Sonia’s suggestions. What way does the patio face? And do you know what kind of soil you have? As you are planting directly into a patio these will be important as you want a tree that will be happy as if it fails it will be a pain to get out! One thing first: newly planted trees need lots of water, and this is especially true if it is planted in a patio so will get limited rain: so make sure you include a watering tube that will deliver water right to the roots. I would suggest: 1: Amelanchier. Lovely tree that is easy to keep under control and delivers visual interest year round. 2: Cornus controversa. The wedding cake tree. Lovely open form - not sure I’ve seen it as a multi-stem, but even as a standard it stays quite small. 3: some form of cherry. Again, these are reasonably easy to keep small, and have beautiful bark that will look great with lighting. Also lots of year round interest....See More
1shanson
last yearAgree with Daisy England. A shady seat is a welcome retreat on sunny days. Just mulch around the base of the tree and add your seat. You may squeeze in some ferns but agree you shouldn’t build up the area. Your new landscaping looks great.
tamp75
last year
Sonia
last yearI would give it a good water, then a layer of mulch (compost, bark etc) then some pebbles. Do not go up the trunk too much as this can eventually damage the tree. You could create a little fence around it but don’t fill it with soil. A semi-circular seat is also a good option if there is space. Planting under the tree may be difficult for plants to thrive because of all those roots?
Juliet Docherty
last year
PROPeter Reader Landscapes
last year
PROPearlosa
last year
Pauline Luxford
last year
PROAGI Landscapes
last yearR S
last yearLouise Burke
last yearR S
last yearThis is how we proceeded. Just probably need a couple of other pots and maybe a little ornament to make it more interesting. Do you think we should keep the top roots exposed or cover over with the cobbles?
kazzh
last yearSonia
last year
Daisy England