How to landscape a backyard with two huge trees?

Elma Medina
by Elma Medina

I have two huge trees in my backyard. No grass will grow. I’ve gone through several seasons with planting grass and it dies. I think it’s the trees with it’s big roots that won’t allow the grass to grow. What else can I do? Help! On a budget of course.

  3 answers
  • FrugalFamilyTimes.com FrugalFamilyTimes.com on Aug 13, 2018

    We have a big black walnut which not only shades everything, it kills plants with juglom too, so here's what we've do. Mulch around the base (costs a bit, but lasts a few years) and then shade tollerant plantings like hostas. Add a path or seating area and celebrate that you don't have to mow the lawn.

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    • FrugalFamilyTimes.com FrugalFamilyTimes.com on Aug 13, 2018

      You could lay down some landscape fabric under the mulch and maybe add a simple border out of rock or similar to keep the mulch in place. I've used the "bark nugget" style but it costs more. We're a big fan of simple "natural" mulch now and adding interest and color with shade friendly plants. If you're looking for color, you could choose mulch with that in mind too.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Aug 13, 2018

    Hi Elma,

    USE LANDSCAPE WEED SUPPRESSANT ON SMOOTH SURFACE. Then either lay Artificial Grass or Gravel or Bark or Rubber chippings etc. and top with a few Large Planted up Pots and maybe a bench under the tree....... It does not all have to be done at once.................Good luck..........

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    • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Aug 13, 2018

      It was my pleasure to try and help..............

  • Susan Susan on Aug 13, 2018

    How about starting with a great 2 person hammock...then put a "fairy garden" type border around the two trees and put ground cover in there... the rest can grow as you love the hammock...

    Ours hold 1000 lbs so easy for 2 adults- whatever size...

    We did this finally with 2 huge trees and are thrilled with the finished look:)