Fix Poor Lawn Drainage & Waterlogged Grass
Trees provide valuable shade, shelter and character to your garden, but they can also create challenges for your lawn. Tree roots compete with turf for water, nutrients and sunlight, which can result in thin or struggling grass beneath established trees.
Choosing the right shade-tolerant turf and maintaining your lawn correctly can make a big difference.
Tree Roots & Your Lawn
Large surface roots can make mowing difficult and compete with your lawn for moisture and nutrients. Avoid cutting or damaging major tree roots when preparing or maintaining your lawn.
For established trees, creating a mulched area around the trunk can reduce competition, protect surface roots and help prevent mower or whipper-snipper damage.
Choosing Grass for Shaded Areas
Not all turf varieties perform equally well beneath trees. If your backyard has significant shade, choosing a shade-tolerant grass is essential.
Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo and Sir Grange Zoysia are excellent options for lawns with shaded areas, although every turf variety still requires some sunlight to remain healthy.
Mowing Grass Under Trees
Grass growing in shade generally benefits from being kept slightly longer than turf in full sun. The additional leaf area helps the grass make better use of the limited sunlight available.
Avoid removing more than one-third of the grass leaf at each mow and take care around tree trunks and exposed roots.
Protect Trees When Installing New Turf
When preparing for a new lawn, avoid removing major tree roots or adding excessive soil around established trees. Changing the soil level around the root zone can affect the health of the tree.
For valuable or mature trees, seek advice from a qualified arborist before making significant changes around the root system.
Create the Right Lawn for Your Garden
With the right turf variety and lawn care, trees and grass can work beautifully together. Consider sunlight, tree roots, soil conditions and water competition when planning your lawn.
For advice on the best turf for shade and trees in Albury Wodonga, talk to the team at Murray Turf.
