Most Frequently Asked Questions

“Why Can’t I Grow Grass Under My Tree?”

That’s the number one thing I’m asked, followed by “There used to be grass when we first planted it”.

This is what’s happened…the tree grew, the roots expanded their territory, the canopy got bigger. As a result, there’s deep shade under the tree. The roots are everywhere, including tiny fibrous ones. Did you know a mature maple can suck up 100,000 gallons of water in a season?

In a contest between a mature maple and the lawn, the lawn is going to lose. Most people will choose to keep the tree and let the grass struggle. You can put down a shady seed mix, and it may even germinate and grow. But just a little bit. Then it will get thin and die out. The better solution is to put mulch around the root zone. It protects the tree from mower damage, keeps the temperature more consistent and keeps moisture from evaporating so quickly. Doesn’t that look better?

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