Decatur, GA on Jun 14, 2012

Help a Tree - Remove Grass

Don't let grass grow beneath your trees. Grass competes fiercely for available water and will slow the growth of trees, especially newly planted ones. For instance, if the growth of a tree is reduced by 20 percent for one year because of grass competition, the growth automatically is 20 percent less during the second year's growth. Grass competition alone reduces tree and shrub growth by as much as 50 percent.

22 Comments

Woodbridge Environmental ... Colonia, NJ

I am for less grass, less to cut, But how far away from the trunk should we stay away, and if were putting down mulch, how high can we go around the trunk before we do any damage?

on Jun 14, 2012 · Like 0
Carla K Ouray, CO

This is wonderful news for me. I had no idea.. Thanks for sharing.

on Jun 14, 2012 · Like 0
Rosemarie B Grovetown, GA

I have about 2 feet from the trunk. Tree is doing very well so I guess this is far enough. I banked my mulch about 2" high and then tapered it out to the edge of circle, but I think I heard somewhere that this is not a good idea.

on Jun 14, 2012 · Like 0
Joyce T Nashville, IN

Wonder if that's the reason all my (and allot of other people) pine trees are dropping their needles like it's fall & look brittle?

on Jun 14, 2012 · Like 0
Louise L Pennsburg, PA

Keep mulch even coverage from tree to drip line but not right up against the trunk of tree. That is bad for tree or plants.

on Jun 14, 2012 · Like 1
Sherry L Deridder, LA

Might be why my Fig tree has grown so little in the 5 years we have had it.

on Jun 14, 2012 · Like 0
Jeanette S Atlanta, GA

Works for me. We put in 2 very large pine islands around our trees because we wanted a place to rake in the leaves to let them decompose...got tired of raking them up and paying for those expensive leaf bags!

on Jun 14, 2012 · Like 0
Terry S Perry, IA

joyce , your pines might have the same disease mine do . they are dying slowly, all of them. we have had to remove 2 and should remove atleast 3 more.i dont know the name of the disease but it is prevelent here.good luck

on Jun 14, 2012 · Like 0
Betty M San Antonio, TX

The best way is to keep a 3-3 method. Clear all grass and growth at least 3'ft. around any tree. Cover with mulch making a bowl effect with a higher ring of it on the outer edge of the ring. The bowl can be used for watering the tree by filling it and letting it drain, then filling it again.
Do not let mulch touch the base of the tree, continue to keep it at least 3 inches from bark. Continued contact with any kind of mulch can cause disease or attract damaging insects.... ...»

If you plant flowers or other low growing plants at the base of the tree, be watchful of root locations and again keep them away from trunk of tree.
For those with problems with their pines, check tree for any insects. There are several kinds that will damage and eventually kill pines.

on Jun 14, 2012 · Like 1
Debbie N Red Oak, TX

Thank you for the information! This is probably why my trees died after 2 years.

on Jun 14, 2012 · Like 0
Cheryl E Detroit, MI

Don't plant anything of significance, especially under a tree getting established. I really struggle with my gardening clients who want to put ground cover or the ubiquitous hosta under a small, new tree. Drives me *nuts*.

on Jun 14, 2012 · Like 0
DEBBY F Bonnots Mill, MO

Thanks to all the great infomation. All will be taken in as I do major landscaping in MO. WE ARE SOOOO DRY THAT ALL THE GRASS IS BROWN. Summer has just started too.

on Jun 14, 2012 · Like 0
Sherry L Deridder, LA

I think I know my project for today. Clear the grass under a couple of trees and mulch.

on Jun 15, 2012 · Like 0
Erica Glasener Atlanta, GA

Glad I am ahead of the trend, grass is overrated. Now I can feel good about not having turf, just weeds and clover.

on Jun 15, 2012 · Like 0
Greedith B Cub Run, KY

Here on my little hill side in Cub Run KY the trees suck all the life out of my grass..When the heat of the summer season kicks in and the rain dwindles, my grass pays the price. My big oak trees take all the water from the ground and I have big brown rings around the the trees. That is even after I have removed the grass and mulched around the trees...

on Jun 15, 2012 · Like 0
Douglas Hunt New Smyrna Beach, FL

Those numbers are really eye-opening, Walter. Thanks for sharing.

on Jun 15, 2012 · Like 0
Tricia P Hammondsville, OH

Now I understand why I see tree's in yards with mulch around them instead of the grass. Thanks Walter!!

on Jun 15, 2012 · Like 0
Terry S Perry, IA

i know what i am doing tomorrow.thanks for the info.i would have planted hosta under them if i hadnt read cheryls post . just mulch it is :)

on Jun 16, 2012 · Like 0
Susan T Denton, TX

I planted 3 small crab apple trees last year that are growing nicely but now I will clear the grass around them.. What kind of mulch and how big around should the circle be? Thanks for sharing that :)

on Jun 20, 2012 · Like 0
Douglas Hunt New Smyrna Beach, FL

Susan, if they're small trees you could probably go to the drip line. My preference is a finely ground naturally colored hardwood mulch. The important thing is to make sure you use an organic material that will break down and nourish the soil.

on Jun 20, 2012 · Like 1
Susan T Denton, TX

Thank you Douglas! Btw, I got and planted a Vitex tree as you suggested by my tree stump and put a saucer with glass stones and a frog statue on top of the tree stump.. I like it...it's the best I could do on a tight budget. Would have rather gotten a bigger Vitex and made a real fountain but it's good...I will post it on my page soon. :)

on Jun 22, 2012 · Like 0
Douglas Hunt New Smyrna Beach, FL

I saw it on your page, Becky. Looks great.

on Jun 23, 2012 · Like 0

Oops! Leave without saving?

Hometalk.com

Hometalk is where people share and help with everything home & garden

Help a Tree - Remove Grass

NOTE: You can drag and drop your photos to reorder them