Raised beds are a great way to grow plants as they provide better drainage, allow you to control the soil quality, and help prevent soil compaction. But did you know you can also plant trees in raised beds? With some planning and preparation, raising trees in beds can help them thrive. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to successfully plant trees in raised beds.
Benefits of Planting Trees in Raised Beds
There are several advantages to planting trees in raised garden beds:
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You can create the ideal soil mix. With poor native soil a raised bed allows you to bring in high-quality topsoil compost, etc. This gives you control over nutrients, texture, drainage, and other factors trees need.
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Raised beds improve drainage Excess moisture is problematic for trees. Elevating the root zone promotes drainage so roots don’t get waterlogged.
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You can overcome soil limitations. Heavy clay, compacted soil, or other poor conditions can be “erased” by building up suitable soil in a raised bed.
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Raised beds help with erosion control. Soil can wash away on slopes. Containing the soil in a raised bed helps keep it in place.
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It facilitates maintenance. Weeding, watering, mulching and other care is easier in a contained raised bed versus working around an in-ground tree.
Choosing the Right Trees for Raised Beds
While raised beds offer benefits, keep in mind that trees need adequate space for their roots to spread out. Large trees won’t work, but smaller ornamental or dwarf fruit trees are good options, including:
- Japanese maple
- Flowering dogwood
- Eastern redbud
- Weeping cherry
- Dwarf apple, peach, citrus
- Dwarf avocado
The size of your raised beds should be proportional to the expected mature width of the tree’s canopy. Allow several feet beyond the anticipated drip line. A good rule of thumb is to make beds at least 6-8 feet across for smaller trees.
Building Raised Beds for Trees
Here are some tips for constructing raised beds that will support healthy tree growth:
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Depth matters. Beds for trees should be 10-12 inches deep if possible, allowing ample room for roots to grow down.
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Don’t use a bottom. Leave the bottom open rather than lining the bed with landscape fabric. Roots need to penetrate down into the native soil.
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Include gravel. Put down a 2-4 inch layer of gravel, pebbles, etc before adding topsoil. This improves drainage.
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Make short walls. To prevent roots from being contained, keep wall lengths short (e.g. 5 feet). Leave gaps between wall sections.
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Use sturdy walls. While wood and stone work well, metal brackets or hardware cloth can also be used make removable walls.
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Retain soil. Use sod chunks, rocks, or landscape edging around the top perimeter to hold soil in place on slopes.
Follow Proper Planting Techniques
When planting trees in a raised bed, follow these tips:
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Loosen native soil before building up bed. Break up any hardpan layers present.
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Test drainage before planting. Fill bed with water, let drain completely to ensure it drains well.
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Choose a high quality potting mix for raised beds, or amend soil with compost.
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Set the root ball slightly above grade. Don’t plant too deeply.
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Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
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Stake the tree for support if needed to keep it upright as it establishes.
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Mulch around the tree, keeping mulch a few inches away from the trunk.
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Water young trees regularly as needed until they become established.
Caring for Trees in Raised Beds
Raised beds can dry out more quickly than in-ground plantings. Check soil moisture frequently, especially with newly planted trees. Water whenever the top few inches become dry.
Depending on your climate, trees in raised beds may also need winter protection. Insulate beds with mulch or leaves to prevent freeze/thaw cycles from heaving roots up.
Be prepared to expand your beds outward as trees grow. Remove or add short wall sections to allow roots to spread over time.
With attention to design, soil, planting and care, raised beds can help ensure small trees get their roots down deep and have the moisture and nutrients needed to help them prosper.
Frequency of Entities:
raised beds: 28
planting: 8
trees: 27
soil: 10
drainage: 5
roots: 9
beds: 4
plant: 4
tree: 2
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How to Plant, Prune, and Irrigate Fruit Trees EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
FAQ
Can I plant a tree in a raised bed?
What should you not put in a raised bed?
Can raised beds grow fruit trees?
All the advantages of raised beds in the vegetable garden–improved drainage, ease of adding organic matter to the soil, lack of soil compaction–can also apply to trees. In areas with poorly drained soil, raised beds may be the best option for growing landscape or productive fruit trees.
How do you plant a raised bed Tree?
You will need to plant your raised bed trees in well-drained soil. If you simply must choose a damp place, plant trees that will tolerate wet soil. Weeping willow (Salix) and red maple (Acer rubrum) are good choices. In recent years, experts have recommended no soil amendments for the soil in the planting hole.
Can you grow trees in a raised bed?
Although most gardeners think of vegetables and flowers in raised beds, they can also be used successfully for growing smaller varieties of trees. Raised bed gardening simply means mounding the soil higher than the surrounding soil. There are two ways to use raised beds for trees: raised ground beds and supported raised beds.
What are the different ways to use raised beds for trees?
There are two ways to use raised beds for trees: raised ground beds and supported raised beds. Raised ground beds are created by sloping 6 to 8-inch mounds of soil with peat moss, manure, and soil. They should measure between around 3 to 5 feet wide.
Can you plant ornamental trees in a raised bed?
Ornamental trees – A variety of ornamental trees will do very well in a raised bed. If you’re considering a tree like white fir, eastern redbud, or a Japanese lilac tree, planting them in a raised bed is the way to go. It’s a more sure way to ensure proper drainage. If your soil is too saturated with water, then they’ll struggle.
What is a raised garden bed?
A raised garden bed is precisely what the name suggests – a raised garden is a method of growing plants higher than the ground. Where soil is enclosed in freestanding box or frame built with wood, but cinder boxes and metal are options as well. They allow gardeners to place soil aboveground and plant their crops there.