19 Planter Ideas That Make the Most of the Tree in Your Yard
I love planter circles around trees because they turn awkward trunks into little staged gardens that read like curated room vignettes. They let shade-loving perennials and popping annuals take center stage, soften exposed roots, and steer feet away from fragile bark.
A tidy ring of soil, stone, or a low border adds instant curb appeal, invites pollinators, and creates a seasonal show that shifts from spring bulbs to summer foliage to fall color.
They work at any scale, from a tiny balcony tree to a sprawling yard, and often feel like a high-impact project with minimal fuss.
Below I rounded up 19 lush planter circles that prove tree bases can be tiny, thriving gardens worth savoring, each offering a different take on texture, color, and form for inspo.
My Top 19 Planters Around Trees
I’ve pulled together an extensive collection of ideas for you to take a look at below. If you see one you love, make sure you save it to Pinterest:
1) Cream Concrete Planters
I love the way a smooth, round concrete planter with a teak rim makes the tree feel intentional instead of in the way. The bed around the trunk is planted with glossy, shade-loving foliage that reads lush without being fussy, topped with dark mulch for contrast.
It slides right into the built-in seating so you get a mini oasis vibe: cream cushions, a textured throw pillow, and warm wood tones that make the whole corner feel like a hug.
Style it with a couple of woven pillows, a lightweight linen throw, and a low side table for a drink or a plant book. Add a few potted ferns or trailing philodendron to spill over the edge and soften the concrete. Finish with soft lighting like lanterns or a string of bulbs and a terracotta pot or two for extra texture.
2) Rustic Honey-Brown Wood
I love how this round, reclaimed-wood planter hugs the tree trunk like a cozy collar. The weathered boards and deep, dark soil feel intentionally lived-in, while a tangle of ferns and shade-loving shoots spill over the rim with zero effort.
The tree’s textured trunk anchors the scene and the dappling sunlight through the canopy makes every frond look like a tiny celebration. It reads rustic and calm, like someone pressed pause on a woodland and dropped it into the backyard.
Style it with low-key accents that actually get used: a neat ring of smooth pebbles or gravel around the base to keep things tidy, a vintage watering can as a prop-you’ll-use, and a couple of warm lanterns or string lights for evening glow.
Toss in a mossy rock or terracotta pot for textural contrast and pop a simple bench nearby so you have somewhere to sit and feel smug about keeping something alive. Minimal fuss, maximum mood.
3) Sunlit Beige Stone Planter
I love the relaxed, sun-soaked vibe of this raised stone planter wrapping a knotty olive tree. The low circular wall of stacked limestone doubles as casual seating and makes the whole thing feel like a tiny island of meadow.
Inside, chamomile-like daisies and airy grasses tumble toward the trunk so the planting reads wild but thoughtful. The mix of structure from the tree and softness from the groundcover is the kind of effortless contrast I always try to copy.
I’d style it with warm terracotta pots and a woven bench nearby for afternoon tea, and toss a couple of lanterns on the stone lip for golden evenings.
I’d tuck lavender or rosemary at the edge for scent and pollinators and let a few self-seeders do their thing so it ages into that perfectly imperfect look. Keep a small watering can and a well-loved trowel on display to own the effortless gardener vibe.
4) Weathered Brick
I love the way the circular brick planter hugs the tree trunk, those sun-warmed, lichen-speckled bricks look like they’ve been here forever in the best possible way.
Tiny white daisy-like blooms and little purple groundcover spill over the edge in a way that feels effortless, not precious.
Moss and a few creeping greens tucked between the stones give it secret-garden energy, and keeping the planting low lets the tree stay the quiet hero of the scene.
Style it with a weathered bench or a couple of rattan chairs nearby so you can sit and admire the spill of flowers. Add terracotta pots with a bold-leaved plant for a bit of height, plus a rustic watering can or stacked pots for personality.
Finish with soft lighting—lanterns or solar stakes—and a gravel or reclaimed-paver path so it feels like a place you actually want to wander into.
5) Weathered Off-White Planter
I love how the rounded concrete planter hugs the tree and feels like a little stage for the foliage. The weathered white finish and tiled rim read relaxed and lived-in, not precious.
A low carpet of trailing groundcover softens the edge, while broader, tropical leaves and a few rusty-red accents add height and contrast. Shadows from the trunk and surrounding palms give it instant atmosphere and make the whole corner feel intentionally casual.
I style something like this with a couple of terracotta pots on the rim, a woven stool for leaning on, and a cluster of lanterns for soft evening light. I let the groundcover spill over the edge and keep pruning loose so nothing looks too perfect.
Add a small sculptural stone or a ceramic bird for personality and a low-maintenance potted fern or succulent to echo the palette.
6) Warm Terracotta
I love the cozy, cobbled-together charm of these planters around the tree. Reclaimed bricks stacked into a slightly wonky ring give instant character, while tiny white daisy-like blooms and a carpet of low, thyme-like groundcover spill over the edges and soften the hard lines.
The sun hitting the rough bark and the mossy pockets in the bricks makes the whole corner feel like a secret that has been slowly earned, not staged.
Style it simply and keep the effortless vibe. Tuck a couple of terracotta pots and a weathered watering can nearby, add a low wooden stool or bench for leaning on, and string a few warm lanterns for evening magic. Plant trailing herbs, small annuals, and one bold-leafed specimen for height. Let things overflow a bit; imperfection is the best accessory here.
7) Weathered Grey Planter
I love the quiet, lived-in feel of this round stone planter around the tree, the kind of thing that looks like it has a story.
The weathered rim and patina give it instant charm, while the little carpet of moss, tiny purple violas and creeping groundcover keeps the base soft and low-commitment. The tree trunk gives height and dappled shade, so everything feels layered without trying too hard.
Style it casually: add a worn wood bench or a couple of folding chairs nearby and you have an instant reading nook. Tuck in a terracotta jug or vintage watering can for personality, weave a string of bulbs through the lower branches for evening glow, and plant a trailing ivy or a few summer geraniums for seasonal punch.
Keep things relaxed, deadhead the violas now and then, and let the moss do its thing for that effortless, collected look.
8) White Curved Planter
I love how the rounded white planter turns the tree into a little focal moment. The smooth, plaster-like rim feels modern but relaxed, and the ring of bark mulch plus those low, white-flowering groundcovers makes the base look tidy without trying too hard.
The strappy-leaf plants tucked at the back give a nice architectural lift, and the dappled light through the canopy makes the whole scene feel like an invitation to linger.
Planting here is straightforward: low-maintenance groundcover for bloom, a couple of taller, strappy plants for texture, and a generous mulch layer to keep things fuss-free.
Style it with warm, woven cushions on the planter edge, a pair of terracotta pots or brass lanterns for evening light, and a small bistro chair to make it a hangout.
Keep colors neutral and textures natural so the tree stays the star and the whole corner reads effortless and calm.
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9) Rustic Limestone Planter
I love the effortless, slightly wild energy of this stone planter circling the tree. The stacked, weathered blocks give it instant structure, while the airy mix of silvery foliage, lavender-like spikes and purple daisy blooms keeps the edge soft and inviting.
The trunk anchors the composition and the low planting hides the root flare, adds scent, and pulls pollinators in, so it feels like a tiny ecosystems stage for bees and sunlit afternoons.
Style it simply so nothing competes with that relaxed vibe: a pair of terracotta pots, a woven pouf or low bench, and a couple of lanterns for soft evening light.
Keep a rustic watering can or small bird bath nearby for function and charm, and swap in seasonal annuals for quick color updates. Little touches you can actually use are the point, not perfection, so it always reads warm and lived in.
10) Minimal Grey Concrete Seating
I love the sculptural calm of the concrete planter that doubles as a bench. The curved seat wrapped around the tree feels like it was made for slow afternoons.
Lush, tropical planting—big banana-like leaves, palms and glossy philodendron—creates a private green nook, while the round cushion and patterned pillows add instant warmth and pattern without shouting.
The rough bark, soft textiles and smooth concrete all play together, and the whole thing reads as relaxed and chic rather than precious.
I’d style it with a woven throw and a low rattan tray for coffee or a stack of books, plus a couple of weatherproof cushions in a contrasting texture.
Add soft ground lighting or a couple of lanterns to make the seating usable at night and tuck a small terracotta pot of herbs or a succulent on the outer edge for extra life.
Keep the palette simple—two neutrals and one accent green—so the plants stay the star and the space feels effortlessly pulled together.
11) Sunlit Concrete Planter
I love how the chunky circular planters hug each palm trunk and instantly make the base feel intentional. The weathered pale concrete reads modern but relaxed, while the wispy ornamental grasses add movement and soften the edges.
A low curved wall and a simple wooden bench tuck into the planter ring, so the planting reads as both decor and a cozy seating moment.
I’d style it with a couple of woven cushions on the bench and warm lanterns for evening light, plus a few terracotta or textured pots with bold foliage to echo the palms. Keep the soil mulched and tuck in low groundcovers or succulents between the grasses for extra interest.
Let the plants lean a little wild so the whole nook looks effortlessly lived in, not staged.
12) Warm-Beige Concrete Planter
I love how the curving concrete planter wraps around the palm like it was always meant to be there. The rough, sculptural trunk and the soft, fountain-like grasses create a lovely contrast that feels both deliberate and relaxed.
The warm wooden slats on the bench soften the hard edge and make the whole spot feel like somewhere you could actually sit and stay awhile.
It already reads as low fuss and high style: ornamental grasses, pine straw mulch, a shade tree tucked behind, and that built-in bench for extra charm.
Keep it simple when styling—add a couple of woven cushions, a small terracotta pot with a succulent or two on the bench, and a solar lantern for evenings. A few bolder-leafed plants in nearby planters will echo the palm and keep the look cohesive without trying too hard.
13) Rust Rim & Mixed Pebble Bed
I love how this low, circular planter makes the palm feel curated instead of just planted. The warm metal rim frames the trunk like jewelry, while the smooth river rocks keep the base clean and modern.
The mix of spiky, architectural clumps and softer, feathery palms around the edges gives texture and depth without looking fussy, and the whole thing reads relaxed and intentional.
Style it with a teak bench or woven chair nearby and a couple of lanterns for soft evening light. Tuck a bright ceramic pot at the edge or a trailing succulent into a gap for seasonal color, and choose drought-tolerant underplanting so it all stays low-maintenance.
The result feels like a living centerpiece you can actually enjoy, not another thing to worry about.
14) Rustic Honey-Toned Deckside Hexagon
I love the snug, hexagonal planter that wraps the tree like a wooden hug. The bench-like rim reads as extra seating and a handy spot for a cup of coffee, while the rich, dark soil and those tiny green shoots promise something fuss-free and lively in a few weeks.
A little bucket with a trowel tucked beside it tells me this is a working planter, not a showroom piece, and the warm, slightly weathered wood keeps the whole setup feeling cozy and casual.
Style it with a trio of trailing plants around the edge — think ivy, sweet potato vine, or bright geraniums — and tuck low groundcover or spring bulbs near the trunk to soften the soil surface over time.
Add a woven cushion or two on the rim, a string of solar lights on the railing, and a shallow tray for drinks so the planter doubles as a hangout spot. Keep textures mixed and the color pops bold; less precision, more personality.
15) Minimalist Dove Grey Planter
I love how this low, circular concrete planter turns a tree trunk into a calm, sculptural centerpiece. The smooth pale finish and white pebble mulch read modern and relaxed, and those tiny grassy tufts peek through like little green confetti. It feels effortless but intentional, like someone styled the space without trying too hard.
I’d style it with warm textural touches nearby, think a slatted wood bench or a couple of woven poufs and a stack of terracotta pots for contrast. Add soft lanterns or string lights for evening vibes and plant low edging like sedum or mondo grass around the rim to soften the hard lines while keeping the clean, minimal look.
16) Modern Concrete Planter
I love how the square raised planter frames the tree like it’s getting its own little stage. The concrete top and weathered wood sides give a clean, modern base, while the trunk and canopy keep things warm and lived-in.
Lavender makes up the main act with those soft purple spikes and a sideways breeze of scent, and low, silver-green mounds fill the gaps so nothing looks lonely. It reads low-maintenance and pollinator-friendly, which is my kind of garden flex.
Style it with a simple bench nearby and a couple of lanterns for soft evening light. Toss in one or two terracotta pots with trailing herbs or a sculptural ceramic for vertical interest, and keep textiles woven and neutral so the lavender can steal the show. It makes the whole corner feel intentional without trying too hard, which, honestly, is the point.
17) Weathered Wood Planter
I love the sculptural simplicity of the round wooden planter cradling that palm. The warm wood offsets the concrete, the river rocks keep the base tidy, and the low evergreen shrubs and spiky rosettes add just enough texture to feel intentional without fuss. It reads like an urban oasis that knows how to be calm and a little bit confident.
Style it with a couple of terracotta or glazed pots on the deck, a patterned outdoor cushion, and a low lantern for evening glow. Tuck a trailing vine around the rim or a small cluster of succulents in a bowl to soften the edge, and leave a pretty watering can out so it looks used not staged.
18) Minimalist Cream Planter
I love how the circular planter doubles as seating and a sculptural focal. The smooth concrete ring with a plush round cushion feels calm but not precious, and the tree trunk rising from the center gives the whole thing instant privacy and shade.
Lush, glossy leaves and soft ferns tuck into the raised bed, so the planting reads layered and effortless rather than fussy. The pale wall and light stone floor keep everything feeling bright and low-key.
Style it with a couple of neutral cushions and a slubby throw for evenings. Add a small side table or a woven stool for drinks, and tuck in a terracotta pot or two with trailing ivy or a bold bird of paradise for height.
Keep the planting easy: shade-loving ferns, philodendron, and one statement leaf plant that forgives a missed water day. Finish with a lantern or two and you are set for instant chill vibes.
19) Weathered Red Brick
I love how the chipped, weathered brick ring gives this tree planter instant personality. The planting is simple and forgiving: little white daisy-like blooms popping above a soft, thyme-like carpet that spills into the cracks.
It feels lived-in, not staged—perfect for someone like me who prefers plants that forgive neglect. The hollow in the trunk and the mossy gaps between bricks add the kind of shabby-chic details that make the whole thing feel like an invitation to sit down and stay a while.
Style it with cozy, low-key pieces: a battered terracotta pot or two, a woven seat cushion on a nearby bench, and a vintage watering can left casually by the bricks.
Add a cluster of potted herbs or a small lantern for evening and keep the palette warm so the brick and white blooms stay the stars. Let some volunteers creep in, swap in seasonal bulbs for a pop in spring, and call it a day—this look rewards the lazy gardener with maximum charm.
Tips and Tricks for Planters Around Trees
You’ve seen my top planters, but here are some of my personal tips and tricks for achieving these looks:
- Give the trunk breathing room: I leave a 6 to 12 inch ring of bare soil around the trunk and never pile soil or mulch against the bark, which prevents rot and keeps roots healthy.
- Use a low ring-style planter: I install a shallow stone, brick, or corten steel ring about 6 to 12 inches high to contain soil and define the space without major root disturbance.
- Choose root-friendly plants: I pick shallow-rooted, shade-tolerant plants like sedum, carex, ajuga, or sweet woodruff so they compete less with the tree and stay happy in tight soil.
- Layer for texture and low maintenance: I plant a groundcover for year-round cover, a few mid-height clumps for shape, and seasonal bulbs or annuals for color so the bed looks good with minimal fuss.
- Use well-draining, lightweight soil: I mix compost with coarse sand or grit and garden soil so water flows through and roots do not sit in soggy conditions.
- Mulch thinly and smartly: I apply 1 to 2 inches of mulch and pull it back from the trunk to conserve moisture without causing bark problems.
- Provide easy access and irrigation: I run a drip line or soaker tube under the mulch and keep a clear gap for pruning and watering, which makes care simpler and protects roots from foot traffic.
- Make it functional: I consider a wide curb or bench ring so the planter doubles as seating or edging, which protects roots and gives the area purpose.