Tree Roots

[JC Drake]

I have a large tree in my front yard and whoever planted it there, didn't plant it deep enough because there are some good sized roots on top of the soil. With spring coming, I'm going to have to fight the annual battle of Tree Roots vs. Grass... Does anyone know how to get a lawn to a healthier state when there is a big tree sucking the life out of the lawn? I fertilize and all that, but the lawn struggles. I've heard about a machine that can grind the tree roots into sawdust, then you put sod over top of that, but won't that kill the tree? Any insight or advice will be much appreciated.

 

[pperfectmom]

Most tree roots grow in the top foot of dirt. It is quite common for some to be visible and the tree doesn't suffer from this. Any activity around a tree even when you can't see the roots will hurt it, however. Sorry, but if you want to keep your tree, you are just going to have to live with the loss of lawn underneath. You could consider planting a ground cover that doesn't need mowing or mulch around it. Just remember if you mulch to not pile it around the trunk. That will harbor disease and rot and eventually kill it also. Good luck.

 

[oxfordcircus]

I tried to find your location "A Hut" on the map, but since I couldn't, I'll assume it's in Alabama. j/k. So this advice may not apply to where you live. When you say "large tree" I assume you're talking about an older tree maybe 20 or 30 years old. Some tree roots naturally grow above ground - like bald cypress and live oak. Also, trees are going to compete with grass and win - for nutrients and sunlight. Don't fight it. Work with it. Create a large bed and plant a low maintenance plant around the base of the tree. Use a plant that can grow in shade like mondo grass, liriopi (monkey grass), asiatic jasmine, etc. It will take a few years, but it will fill in and you won't have to mow it anymore.

If you grind the roots, the tree will die.

 

[Hercules10]

I have 3 large live oaks in my front yard (20+yrs). It's not the roots that were killing the grass but the lack of sunlight. Pruned the trees so some light can filter down to the grass. That should help a bunch. Plus we're getting into the best time of the year to prune too.

 

[MALE*RN*777]

I would guess pretty much once the roots start showing and if your keeping the tree(s) the only thing you could do is to put a lair of dirt down to cover the roots and re-seed. Depending on how big your yard is and how level will determine how big of a job this will be. Good Luck....

 

[JC Drake]

Thanks for the replies, guys (or ladies). I should have given a bit more info. The tree is a maple, and I'm guessing it to be about 12-15 years old, given the age of the neighborhood.

I'm liking the idea of putting something down that is a ground cover and wouldn't need mowing...

The soil and re-seeding wouldn't be too bad, as this is in my front yard and isn't that big.

I appreciate the thoughts.

 

[oxfordcircus]

The soil and re-seeding wouldn't be too bad, as this is in my front yard and isn't that big.

I appreciate the thoughts.

I think if you were to soil and reseed you would either disturb the tree roots and kill the tree or you'd still have too much shade and your grass still won't grow.

Personally, I like trees (I live in a new neighborhood without any trees), so I would value the shade more than the grass. So, I'm biased in favor of anything that will keep the tree in good shape.