edging strips hurt Japanese Maple? - Knowledgebase Question

Edmonds, WA
Avatar for edmondsz2
Question by edmondsz2
August 30, 2006
I want to create a flower bed on the side of my lawn with my 8' tall Japanese maple tree inside the flower bed. The flower bed will be 16' X 4.5', with the maple tree in the middle. I want to install 5


Image
Answer from NGA
August 30, 2006
If you use edging strips, and they penetrate the earth only 5" deep, they shouldn't bother the roots of your maple tree. Most roots will be deeper than that and any that grow into it will either bend and go in another direction or will grow down and then under the strips. If you use landscape fabric and mulch, edging strips probably won't be necessary, and you can trim the area by setting the edge of your shovel at the edge of the mulch and stepping down on it for a smooth edge all around the bed. Hosta and Lenten Rose are good under Japanese maples; ajuga would be fabulous but high maintenance. Ajuga can creep at amazing rates so you'll need to keep it in check or it will take over an area in no time at all. I'd use hosta (it spreads, but at a slow rate) instead.

Best wishes with your landscape!

You must be signed in before you can post questions or answers. Click here to join!

« Return to the Garden Knowledgebase Homepage

Member Login:

( No account? Join now! )