Clearing grass from around tree roots

skeeter9

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We have several trees throughout our front yard that are planted right in the middle of the grass. They have been in for about 4 years and are maples, and a red oak. I am thinking about removing the grass around the trees in approximately a 3 foot circle or so, then mulching/composting heavily at the bases of the trees. I've never had to do this before to trees that are relatively established. Is it ok to just dig up the dirt and grass around the trunks, or would that possibly damage feeder roots? Would I be better off spraying with Roundup and mulching on top of the dead grass?
 

patandchickens

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The fastest thing would be to use Roundup. The danger to the trees is not entirely zero, and I'd be leerier of using around your young trees than if they were 30 years old, but as long as you follow directions it is likely to be ok. Then, as you say, mulch right over the grass, perhaps with landscape fabric under the mulch (altho realize that if you do that, it makes weeds far far harder to remove if they DO get thru)

Personally I don't like using Roundup though. So, when I've done this to a variety of trees on this property, what I've done is either skim the top layer of turf (with most of the roots, but not trying to get ALL of them, especially under shallow-rooted trees and especially if you're doing it all 'round the tree at once) before mulching, or scalp the grass back to absolute bare dirt with a weedwhacker several weeks in a row (doing it weekly for several weeks, I mean, doing a bit of watering in between if the weather is hot and dry). Then mulch and spend the next several years weeding FREQUENTLY.

Do not mulch too heavily though, and don't pile mulch or compost up against the trunk. (A very thin layer against trunk is ok; 3" against trunk is risky).

And realize you're going to have to weed assiduously and FREQUENTLY for the next year or two.

An alternative is to "mulch" around the trees with old discarded carpeting, you can cut it to size/shape and make a hole and slit so that you can get it around the trunk (or just do it in a couple pieces you fit together. WOrks best if you lay it upside down (carpet-y side down). Then cover that with a thin layer of mulch, mainly for appearances. I've had more-mixed results with this than with the abovementioned approaches though -- sometimes it works beautifully, sometimes not so much with the tree seeming to be a bit unhappy for some reason. I've also tried this with cardboard instead of the carpeting, and it really does not work as well AT ALL in my experience (for other applications yes; for around trees, no)

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

Good luck, have fun,

Pat
 

lesa

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Pat's weedwacker idea has worked really well for me. I am not a roundup fan- so that would not be an option for me.
I have used newspaper and mulch very successfully- but only around one tree. I just put the paper down- wet it - and covered it up with mulch. After one season a few weeds poked through- but not bad.
I do think it looks so much nicer with mulch, rather than grass growing right up to the tree. More finished looking.
Good luck!
 

skeeter9

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Thanks for the responses, Pat and Lesa. I hadn't really thought of smothering the grass with carpet or cardboard. I think I will try something along those lines instead of spraying. Unfortunately, most of the grass is native Bermuda and it's a bear to kill. I'm sure with our 100 degree heat I can at least make some headway by fall!! :cool:
 

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