What To Put Around Palm Trees

Figuring out what to put around palm trees can make the difference between a lonely-looking trunk and a lush, tropical paradise. The right landscaping complements their unique shape and creates a beautiful, cohesive garden bed.

Palms are architectural plants that command attention. Your goal is to choose companions that highlight their beauty without competing for resources. You need plants and materials that thrive in similar conditions and enhance the palm’s natural elegance.

Start by considering your palm’s specific needs. Most palms prefer well-draining soil and don’t like their trunks constantly wet. The area directly around the base, called the root zone, is sensitive.

You have two main approaches: living ground covers or non-living mulch and hardscape. Often, a combination of both works best. Let’s look at the best options for each category.

Living Ground Covers and Companion Plants

These plants fill the space with color and texture. They help suppress weeds and prevent soil erosion. Choose plants that tolerate partial to full shade, as mature palms cast significant dappled light.

Liriope (Lilyturf): A tough, grass-like plant with purple or white flower spikes. It’s drought-tolerant once established and forms a neat clump.
Mondo Grass: Similar to liriope but finer textured. Its dark green or even black varieties create stunning contrast.
Asian Jasmine: A fast-growing, vine-like ground cover that forms a dense mat. It’s excellent for large areas but requires occasional edging to keep it tidy.
Ferns: Autumn ferns or holly ferns add a soft, feathery texture that whispers of the tropics. They love the shade and humidity under a palm canopy.
Bromeliads: These add incredible pops of color with their vibrant central flowers. They attach to the base or grow in the soil, requiring very little root space.
Hostas: For shadier spots, hostas offer beautiful foliage in many sizes and colors, from blue-green to variegated white and green.

Mulch and Hardscape Materials

Using non-living materials is low-maintenance and protects the palm’s trunk and roots. It gives a clean, defined look.

Bark Mulch or Wood Chips: A classic choice. It retains moisture, cools roots, and decomposes to add organic matter. Keep it a few inches away from the trunk itself to avoid rot.
River Rock or Gravel: Excellent for drainage and a modern, desert-like aesthetic. Lighter colors reflect heat, which can be beneficial or detrimental depending on your climate.
Decomposed Granite: Provides a stable, natural surface that compacts well and allows water to infiltrate.
Paver or Stone Rings: Creating a defined circle with pavers or stones around the tree gives a polished look and makes mowing easier.

What to Avoid Planting

Some plants are poor companions for palms. Avoid high-water-demand plants like lawns if your palm is drought-tolerant. Also, steer clear of large shrubs or trees with aggressive root systems that will compete fiercely for water and nutrients. Plants that require constant digging or soil disturbance can damage the palm’s shallow feeder roots.

Step-by-Step: Planting Around Your Palm

Follow these steps for a healthy and attractive result.

Clear the Area: Remove any existing weeds, grass, or debris from around the base of the palm, out to at least a 3-foot radius.
Check Drainage: Ensure the area slopes slightly away from the trunk. You can amend heavy clay soil with sand or compost to improve drainage.
Add a Root Barrier (Optional): If using aggressive ground covers like Asian Jasmine, install a shallow plastic edging to prevent it from encircling the trunk.
Position Your Plants: Arrange potted companion plants in the desired layout. Remember to leave space for growth and keep them away from the trunk.
Plant Carefully: Dig small, individual holes. Disturb as little of the existing soil as possible to avoid harming the palm’s roots. Backfill and water thoroughly.
Apply Top Dressing: Spread 2-3 inches of your chosen mulch or rock around the new plants, keeping it away from all plant stems and the palm trunk.

Design Tips for a Cohesive Look

Think about layers. Place taller plants further out from the trunk, with lower-growing ones nearer. Repetition of a few plant types looks more intentional than a jumble of one-offs. Consider color; green-on-green can be very soothing, while adding plants with burgundy or silver foliage creates drama.

Lighting is another key element. A small, solar-powered uplight placed to shine up the trunk can make your palm a stunning nighttime focal point. It’s a simple addition with big impact.

Maintenance Considerations

Your choices affect your weekend workload. Ground covers need periodic trimming and feeding. Mulch needs to be replenished every year or two. Rock can collect debris but is otherwise low-care. Always water your companion plants according to their needs, not necessarily the palm’s; you may need to hand-water them if the palm is on a drip system.

Be cautious with fertilizers. Use a slow-release, palm-specific fertilizer for the tree, and a separate, appropriate feed for the surrounding plants. Too much general fertilizer can harm sensitive palm roots.

FAQ: Landscaping Around Palms

Can you put rocks around palm trees?
Yes, rocks are a great option. They provide excellent drainage and reduce weed growth. Just maintain a clear area around the trunk base.

Is it okay to put mulch around a palm tree?
Absolutely. Organic mulch is beneficial as it conserves moisture and adds nutrients to the soil as it breaks down. Avoid piling it against the trunk in a “mulch volcano.”

What plants grow well under palm trees?
Shade-tolerant, shallow-rooted plants are best. Think liriope, mondo grass, ferns, bromeliads, and certain hostas. They thrive in the dappled light.

How close to a palm tree can you plant?
Plant at least 2-3 feet away from the trunk to avoid damaging major roots and to ensure good air circulation. This also gives you space for maintenance.

Should you remove old palm fronds from the base?
It’s generally a good idea to remove brown, fallen fronds. They can harbor pests and create a messy look. Green fronds should only be removed by a professional if necessary for health or safety.

Choosing what to put around your palm trees is a fun chance to express your style. By selecting the right plants and materials, you create a mini-ecosystem that is both beautiful and easy to care for. Your palms will become the true stars of your garden, perfectly framed by their surroundings.