How can I get rid of grass surrounding a tree so I can put in mulch?

Connie
by Connie

Want to kill the grass around a tree so I can mulch around it.

  5 answers
  • Maureen Toms Maureen Toms on Jun 18, 2019

    Please don’t pour more poison onto our poor ailing planet.


    Simply cut an outline of the shape you want around your tree

    ( usually a circle). Dig up the sod, shake the soil out of the clods of grass gathering up the roots.


    Smooth the surface of the soil and apply your mulch.


    The grass and roots you can get rid of either in the compost or waste bin.

  • I use vinegar to kill weeds. It will kill the grass, too.

    • See 1 previous
    • Lynn Sorrell Lynn Sorrell on Jun 20, 2019

      Vinegar acts as a desiccant. It dissolves the protective coating on the leaves of the plant causing it to dry out and die if the temperatures are warm enough,needs done in hot full direct sun to work. It usually doesn't destroy the roots and sometimes the plant may come back if there is enough energy in the root system. in order to kill the grass you'll need so much the soil PH will be messed up after you do this.affecting what you plant & tree too.

  • Dima Dima on Jun 20, 2019

    If you're in a hurry, cut the grass really short then simply cover the area with black landscape fabric and pin it in place with landscape pins. The grass beneath will die from lack of sunlight. Worked for me no hard labor or chemicals!

  • Lynn Sorrell Lynn Sorrell on Jun 20, 2019

    when you mulch tree do not place mulch too high around base of tree and not directly touching the trunk/bark (5-6"s away)causes rot and then bugs enter tree/bark; if you apply mulch incorrectly, you can stimulate the growth of fungus, attract insects, and starve the tree's roots of oxygen. HERE's HOW to be rid of grass under tree without killing tree https://www.bluestem.ca/eliminating-lawn3.htm