When installing circular tree garden benches, the ground must be level for it to sit squarely on the ground. Each installation is different but this ground can be levelled with a concrete base, wooden deck or perhaps more commonly, left bare. If the ground is earth and not treated with a layer of anything, there is often a discussion as to what should be done with the soil underneath.
Both the lack of light and water under a tree can make growing anything very difficult. The resulting bare, patchy soil can look untidy, which is why many argue that teak benches are the perfect solution to make a prominent tree a delightful focal point.
The soil, if left untreated under tree garden benches, can simply dry out and look rather unkempt, so to avoid this there are a number of solutions:
1. Bark – Loose chippings of bark can look very decorative and natural under a bench. The colour is also consistent and can attract foraging birds to a garden. The water can also run through and keep the tree roots moist.
2. Shingle – Like bark, shingle is consistent in colour, will blank the ground from weeds and is easy to apply. Sadly, it will not attract birds in the same way and has been known to be used by cats as litter. Some also dislike how it can scatter further afield, look untidy and damage lawn movers.
3. Plants – With little natural light, there are few plants that will grow under teak benches other than those that enjoy heavy shade. Consult your local garden centre for advice in your area but we recommend ivy, Greek oregano, sweet woodruff and monkey grass.
4. Grass – Choose your seed wisely as there are shade resistant seeds available that are designed to grow in shady locations, such as Miracle Grass.
5. Hard sand (Slabs) – An alternative to a concrete that allows water to seep through the gaps and can also look pleasingly rustic.
6. Loose sand – A blanket of loose sand can look quite attractive and let water through to the roots, but may not stop undesirable plants growing eventually.
What you ultimately choose is down to personal choice, your garden and its surrounding area. There is no right or wrong. Choose the cover that looks best and give the required result for you.
For more information please visit – www.chic-teak.co.uk/clearance-promotions-c-87.html
