A tree in your yard is more than just a source of shade; it’s a natural focal point that can completely transform your outdoor landscaping.
With a little creativity, you can turn the area around it into a cozy retreat, a lively gathering spot, or a stunning garden feature.
Landscaping around a tree not only enhances its beauty but also makes the surrounding space feel intentional and inviting.
In this collection, you’ll find 25 inspiring ideas that bring out the best in both your trees and your garden. From cozy seating spots to lush plant beds, each idea offers a chance to give this often-overlooked space a fresh new purpose.
#1 A Stunning Open Space With String Lights For Branches Of A Tree
This warm, glowing setup turns your backyard into an enchanting evening retreat. The soft string lights draped across the tree branches create a magical canopy perfect for relaxed dinners or friendly gatherings.
A long picnic-style table offers plenty of seating, making it easy to host outdoor meals under the twinkling lights.
To recreate this look, use warm white LED string lights and secure them gently to sturdy branches. Add a simple outdoor dining table with a few decorative touches like flowers or lanterns to complete the inviting atmosphere.
#2 A Small Cactus Garden Under The Shade Of A Tree
Here, the base of the tree becomes a desert-inspired garden with clusters of cactus and succulents surrounded by smooth river rocks.
This design works beautifully for low-maintenance landscaping, as the plants require minimal watering and upkeep. The stones not only add texture but also help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
For a similar look, choose drought-tolerant plants that thrive in partial shade, and arrange them in a natural pattern. A border of rocks or pavers will keep the area neat while highlighting your unique plant choices.
#3 A Deck Tree
This elevated deck wraps gracefully around a mature tree, allowing nature and architecture to blend seamlessly.
The built-in lighting and fire pit add warmth, making it a perfect spot to gather on cool evenings. Comfortable seating areas on different levels give guests plenty of space to relax and enjoy the view.
When planning a deck like this, leave room around the trunk for growth and avoid damaging the roots. Incorporating plants in built-in planters can soften the structure and keep it feeling connected to the landscape.
#4 A House Tree
This charming treehouse design is a dream for kids and a nostalgic nod for adults. Elevated high above the ground, it offers a cozy wooden hideaway with a balcony to enjoy the view.
The spiral staircase and swings below make it even more playful and versatile.
If you’re building one, choose a strong, healthy tree and use materials that can withstand the elements. Adding safety railings and sturdy steps will make it both safe and enjoyable for all ages.
#5 A Deck Tree In Backyard
A gentle swing hanging between two sturdy trees brings a whimsical, relaxing touch to any garden.
Here, a simple wooden seat with a thick rope invites you to sway under the dappled sunlight. The surrounding deck area, complete with comfy lounge chairs, makes it an ideal place to unwind.
To recreate this setup, ensure the branch you choose is healthy and strong enough to hold weight. Use weather-resistant rope and treat the swing seat to protect it from rain and sun.
#6 A Small Vegetable Garden Around a Tree
This classic brick bench encircling the tree is both practical and beautiful. It offers a shaded spot to sit while also framing the tree with clean lines.
The brickwork blends seamlessly with the surrounding paved paths, creating a unified look in the garden.
To achieve a similar design, choose materials that match your existing outdoor flooring for a harmonious feel. Plant low-growing greenery or ground cover at the base to soften the space and keep it inviting year-round.
#7 Simple Bench Around Tree
This setup is a perfect mix of relaxation and style. A neat wooden bench wraps around the tree, creating a cozy seating spot right in the heart of the garden.
The lush green grass and stepping stones guide your eyes toward the pool, adding a fresh, open feel.
You could plant seasonal flowers around the base of the tree for an extra pop of color, or place some lanterns for evening charm. Keep the grass trimmed and the bench polished to maintain its inviting look.
#8 A Tent Under The Shade Of A Big Tree
This cozy backyard setup feels like a hidden escape tucked beneath the trees. A light blue fabric is draped to form a simple tent, creating a shady nook perfect for lounging on soft floor cushions.
A small wooden swing, strung with bead-accented ropes, hangs nearby, adding a playful charm. Scattered lantern-style lights and white round decorations bring a dreamy touch, making the spot ideal for an afternoon read or a starlit night chat.
It’s a beautiful blend of nature’s calm and homemade comfort, perfect for relaxing or enjoying quiet moments outdoors.
#9 A Big Tree With A Hammock
This cozy backyard setup turns a simple tree into the centerpiece of pure relaxation. A soft white hammock with delicate fringe sways gently between sturdy branches, offering the perfect spot to unwind with a book or afternoon nap.
The stone-tiled patio beneath keeps the area clean and low-maintenance, while potted plants and hanging lantern-style bird feeders add charm and life to the space.
To recreate this look, choose a strong, healthy tree with well-spaced branches for support, and secure your hammock with weather-resistant straps. Add a few plants in terracotta pots for a warm, earthy touch, and enjoy your personal outdoor retreat.
#10 A Deck Design Under a Tall Tree
A spacious backyard retreat features a large tree at its heart, surrounded by a sleek wooden deck that blends seamlessly with the lush green lawn.
The raised platform creates a defined space for a picnic table, perfect for outdoor meals or relaxing in the shade. Sunlight filters gently through the tree’s canopy, casting playful shadows across the grass.
The clean, minimalist design leaves plenty of open space, making the area feel airy and inviting. In the distance, ornamental plants add a touch of color and texture, enhancing the natural beauty of the scene.
#11 String Lights Around Tree To Liven Up Outdoor Space
This cozy outdoor lounge feels like a private retreat, blending comfort and style under the shade of a large tree. A modern round fire pit creates a warm centerpiece, surrounded by inviting white rocking chairs topped with floral cushions.
String lights drape across the space, casting a soft golden glow as evening falls. A wooden privacy screen and lush greenery frame the seating area, adding both seclusion and natural beauty.
Decorative accents like candles, marble pumpkins, and rustic wood stools bring a touch of charm, making it the perfect spot for intimate gatherings or quiet relaxation.
#12 String Lights Around Tree Make Outstanding Point In The Garden
This dreamy backyard scene wraps tree trunks in warm string lights, creating a magical glow as evening falls.
A rustic wooden chair with a soft green cushion sits invitingly beneath the illuminated trees, making it the perfect spot for quiet reflection or a cozy chat.
The soft lights dance gently against the textured bark, transforming an ordinary yard into a fairy-tale retreat. It’s a simple yet enchanting way to bring warmth and charm to outdoor gatherings, date nights, or peaceful moments alone.
#13 A Swing Is Hanging On A Big Branch Of A Tree
A cozy rattan swing chair hangs gracefully from a blooming tree branch, creating the perfect spot for lazy afternoon lounging.
Its curved frame and natural woven design bring a warm, rustic charm to the garden, while a floral cushion adds comfort and a pop of color.
Surrounded by lush green grass and shaded by the tree’s blossoms, this inviting nook feels like a private escape right at home. It’s an ideal place to sip tea, read a favorite book, or simply enjoy the soft sway with the breeze.
#14 Lighting Mason Jar Around All Branches of Tree
This enchanting scene features a large tree adorned with dozens of hanging glass jars, each glowing with the warm light of candles inside. The jars dangle at varying heights, suspended by delicate ribbons that sway gently in the breeze.
Around the tree’s base, more candles are placed on the lush green grass, casting a magical halo of light upward.
The surrounding garden is rich with greenery, making the softly flickering lights stand out beautifully against the natural backdrop.
This setup creates a dreamy, romantic atmosphere perfect for an evening gathering, wedding, or simply enjoying a peaceful night outdoors under a canopy of lights.
#15 A Bed Swing Hangs On Big Branches
This cozy backyard setup features a white wooden swing bed suspended from sturdy tree branches, creating the perfect spot for an afternoon nap or a quiet read.
The bed is dressed with a bright red mattress, soft, patterned pillows, and a plush cream throw blanket for added comfort. Surrounded by lush green grass and shaded by the leafy canopy above, it offers a peaceful retreat right at home.
The brick-edged garden bed around the tree adds a neat, landscaped touch, while black lanterns hanging from the branches provide a hint of evening ambiance. It’s a charming mix of comfort and nature, ideal for unwinding outdoors.
#16 A Kids’ Play Area Around a Tree
This backyard scene is transformed into a playful pirate adventure zone for kids. A sturdy tree supports a wooden platform, creating the perfect “ship deck” for imaginative play.
A rope ladder, pirate flag, and tire swing add exciting climbing and swinging challenges, while the scattered red props and details bring the theme to life. Two children dressed as pirates, complete with costumes, immerse themselves in the fantasy world.
The setup cleverly blends natural elements with creative DIY touches, offering endless outdoor fun while encouraging active play and storytelling. It’s an inviting space where every branch and rope becomes part of the adventure.
#17 An Outdoor Dining Table Inspiration
Nestled beneath a canopy of leafy trees, this outdoor bar feels like a hidden getaway in the middle of nature. The rustic counter, built from weathered wood, wraps around the tree trunks, creating an intimate circular gathering space.
Simple metal stools offer seating, while woven basket-style pendant lights hang from the branches, casting a warm, golden glow as evening falls.
Surrounded by lush greenery and a gravel floor, it’s the kind of spot where you can sip a drink, enjoy good company, and feel completely connected to the outdoors.
#18 A Dining Table Under a Tall And Big Tree For Small Parties Or Gatherings
Beneath the sprawling arms of an ancient tree, a beautifully set dining table invites you to linger outdoors. The white tablecloth, embroidered with delicate patterns, adds a touch of elegance to the rustic stone patio.
Soft green seat cushions complement the natural tones of the surrounding garden, while lanterns and fresh flowers create a charming, intimate atmosphere.
The dappled light filtering through the branches makes this spot perfect for a leisurely lunch or sunset dinner. It feels like a secret garden dining experience, where nature’s grandeur and thoughtful details come together for memorable gatherings.
#19 A Wooden Table Under The Shade Of A Tall Tree
This cozy outdoor dining spot features a stunning live-edge wooden table set on a natural wood deck, seamlessly blending with the organic surroundings. The table’s thick slab top rests on chunky timber bases, giving it a rustic yet refined feel.
Surrounding it are industrial-style metal chairs that add a touch of contrast. Overhead, a gracefully twisting tree provides shade, while hanging metal ring ornaments offer a subtle decorative accent.
The setting feels warm, inviting, and perfect for relaxed alfresco meals in a private backyard retreat.
#20 A Hammock To Enjoy Outdoor Space And See “Star” Right In The Branches Of The Tree
This cozy backyard nook features a hammock gently cradled beneath a shady tree, creating the perfect retreat for warm evenings. Soft, glowing string lights weave through the branches, casting a golden hue over the space.
A scattering of stone pavers leads the way across the grass to the hammock, flanked by lush greenery and a few lanterns that add an extra touch of charm.
The wooden privacy fence in the background provides a sense of seclusion, while textured blankets and pillows invite you to sink in and relax.
#21 String Lights Around Tree To Brighten Up Backyard Oasis
This backyard nook feels like a cozy bohemian escape, perfect for relaxing evenings outdoors. Soft string lights drape from tree to tree, casting a warm, inviting glow over the seating area.
A mix of furniture styles from the woven egg chair to the cushioned pallet sofa and rustic wooden armchair creates an eclectic, lived-in charm.
Potted plants and blooming flowers add bursts of greenery and color, while a patterned round rug ties the space together underfoot.
In the center, a low coffee table holds candles and small décor, making it ideal for intimate chats or quiet moments with a book. It’s the kind of garden retreat that instantly makes you want to linger just a little longer.
#22 A Small Restaurant Around a Tree
This cozy dining setup feels like a secret garden retreat, with a sturdy tree growing right through the center of a round wooden table.
The lush greenery surrounding the space adds a fresh, tropical vibe, while the soft, warm glow from small decorative candles brings a romantic touch.
The table is elegantly set with patterned plates, sparkling glassware, and neatly folded napkins, making it perfect for an intimate dinner or a relaxed brunch with friends.
The natural textures of wood, plants, and candlelight work together to create an inviting space where you can linger for hours, enjoying good food and even better company.
#23 Wrap-Around Tree Bench
This charming scene shows a little girl sitting on a beautifully crafted wooden bench that wraps around the trunk of a large, mature tree. The bench offers a shady, peaceful retreat, perfect for reading a book or simply enjoying the outdoors.
A black-and-white cat sits beside her, adding a sweet and heartwarming touch. The backdrop features a cream-colored house with French doors, letting in natural light and giving the whole setting a cozy, homely vibe.
The design not only makes great use of space but also turns the tree into the heart of the yard, blending functionality with natural beauty.
#24 Beautiful Flower Beds Around Trees
This tree ring flower bed brings a bold pop of color to the yard with its lush blanket of deep red blooms. The bright blossoms stand out beautifully against the green lawn, creating a striking focal point right at the tree’s base.
Framed by neatly stacked light-colored bricks and accented with slate pieces, the design feels polished yet welcoming. It’s a great way to add curb appeal while making use of the often-overlooked space around a tree.
This setup not only protects the tree roots but also turns the area into a mini garden that brightens up the whole landscape.
#25 An Outdoor Bar Around a Tree
This outdoor bar setup creates an enchanting atmosphere under a massive, twisting tree with thick roots and branches. Warm string lights are draped overhead, casting a golden glow as the sun sets over the ocean in the background.
The rustic wooden bar, marked with illuminated “BAR” letters, stands ready for guests with glassware, bottles, and a lantern for extra charm.
The setting perfectly blends the magic of nature with the inviting feel of a seaside evening, making it an ideal spot for gatherings, celebrations, or a romantic night under the stars.