Safe Weed Control Around Trees, Shrubs & Landscaped Areas

Why Weed Control Around Trees Needs Extra Care

Weeds compete with trees and shrubs for water, nutrients, and light, particularly during establishment. However, applying weed killers too aggressively or incorrectly around planted areas can:

• Damage tree roots

• Kill shrubs and perennials

• Contaminate soil

• Cause long-term planting failure

For gardeners, landscapers, contractors, councils, and estates, safe weed control is about balancing effectiveness with protection.

Understanding Tree & Plant Sensitivity

Trees and shrubs are vulnerable because:

• Roots often spread far beyond the canopy

• Young trees have shallow root systems

• Herbicides can be absorbed through roots

• Spray drift can damage leaves and bark

This means product choice, timing, and application method are critical.

Choosing the Right Weed Control Method

Mechanical & Physical Control

Best for:
✔ Newly planted trees
✔ Sensitive planting beds
✔ Organic or low-intervention areas

Options include:

• Hand weeding

• Hoeing

• Mulch mats

• Weed control fabric

Mulch mats are particularly effective, suppressing weeds while retaining soil moisture.

Chemical Weed Control (Used Carefully)

When chemical control is necessary, choose products and methods that minimise risk.

Total Weed Killers

• Use only for spot treatment

• Avoid spraying near trunks or foliage

• Never spray over exposed roots

Selective Weed Killers

• Useful in grassed areas around trees

• Avoid overspray onto leaves or bark

Residual Weed Killers

• Not suitable near trees or planting beds

• Can affect future planting

• Best restricted to hard surfaces

Best Practice for Spraying Near Trees & Shrubs

1. Use Targeted Application

• Spot spray rather than blanket spray

• Use a shielded nozzle if available

2. Avoid Windy Conditions

Spray drift is one of the biggest causes of accidental damage.

3. Protect the Trunk & Base

• Avoid spraying directly onto bark

• Use tree guards where possible

4. Apply at the Right Time

• Avoid active growth periods when plants are most sensitive

• Early spring and autumn are often safer

Weed Control in Mulched & Landscaped Areas

Mulched beds around trees and shrubs reduce the need for herbicides altogether.

Benefits include:

• Weed suppression

• Improved soil moisture

• Reduced temperature fluctuations

• Improved establishment

Combining mulch mats with occasional spot treatment offers long-term control with minimal risk.

Common Mistakes That Damage Trees

❌ Spraying right up to the trunk
❌ Using residual weed killers near planting
❌ Over-application of herbicide
❌ Spraying in wind or heat
❌ Using the wrong nozzle

These mistakes are common causes of tree failure in landscaped environments.

Weed Control Around Newly Planted Trees

Newly planted trees are especially vulnerable during the first 2–3 years.

Best approach:

• Mulch mats or fabric

• Hand weeding if required

• Avoid chemical spraying unless absolutely necessary

• Use guards and stakes to create exclusion zones

This approach is widely recommended for grant-funded planting schemes.

Equipment That Helps Reduce Risk

Available from GardenersSupplies.co.uk:

• Low-drift nozzles

• Handheld spot sprayers

• Mulch mats & weed control fabric

• Tree guards and stakes

Using the right equipment reduces damage and improves outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can weed killer kill trees?
Yes — incorrect application, drift, or root uptake can damage or kill trees.

Is glyphosate safe around trees?
Only when applied carefully as a spot treatment, avoiding bark, leaves, and roots.

What’s the safest option for weed control around trees?
Mulch mats combined with hand weeding or minimal spot spraying.

Conclusion

Weed control around trees, shrubs, and landscaped areas requires a measured, professional approach. Using the right products, correct equipment, and non-chemical solutions where possible protects planting investments and ensures long-term success.

With mulch mats, sprayers, weed control fabrics, and professional advice, GardenersSupplies.co.uk supports safe, effective weed management across UK gardens, landscapes, estates, and public spaces.