Would you do anything to tree base?

Southeast, US

New home to me. I’m not crazy about having a perfect lawn but looking to make some improvements. Would it make sense to do anything under this tree where is mostly just dirt?

Unsure if it makes sense to add grass seed or maybe add a ring of mulch? Leave as is? What would you do?

In a tree vs grass scenario, the tree always wins.

Theoretically, you could grow grass under that tree, but you’d need to add a lot more fertilizer since the tree roots will always take precedence.

The best way to manage this is to create a layered setup with compost, biodegradable cardboard (no tape), and untreated wood chips in a donut shape around the tree. This will help supply nutrients and suppress weeds.

Consider removing the tree, getting it stump-ground, and laying sod. That’s a Bradford pear; removing it now may be beneficial before it splits.

Laine said:
Consider removing the tree, getting it stump-ground, and laying sod. That’s a Bradford pear; removing it now may be beneficial before it splits.

Alternatively, consider replacing it with a native tree.

Laine said:
Consider removing the tree, getting it stump-ground, and laying sod. That’s a Bradford pear; removing it now may be beneficial before it splits.

Thanks for your input! I did some research on Bradford Pears and might explore having it removed. It looks great in front of our house, but we’re interested in a native replacement. Any recommendations?

@Drew
Don’t worry, that beauty will soon release a terrible smell in spring. It’s essentially a useless tree that shouldn’t exist in North America.

Ari said:
@Drew
Don’t worry, that beauty will soon release a terrible smell in spring. It’s essentially a useless tree that shouldn’t exist in North America.

They stink?

Madden said:

Ari said:
@Drew
Don’t worry, that beauty will soon release a terrible smell in spring. It’s essentially a useless tree that shouldn’t exist in North America.

They stink?

Yes, they emit a foul odor used to attract pollinators. It’s a disgusting tree.

@Ari
Good to know! Thanks for the insight.

@Drew
Consider how large the tree may grow in the future and if flowering is important to you.

Laine said:
@Drew
Consider how large the tree may grow in the future and if flowering is important to you.

We plan to be here for about 10 more years. We want something beautiful for ourselves and the birds. Maybe a magnolia?

@Drew
Regardless of how long you’ll stay, plant for longevity. Avoid leaving future owners with a tree that needs removal.

Jay said:
@Drew
Regardless of how long you’ll stay, plant for longevity. Avoid leaving future owners with a tree that needs removal.

“Society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they know they’ll never sit.”

@Drew
Magnolias look good, but remember mulch won’t allow grass to grow underneath.

Laine said:
Consider removing the tree, getting it stump-ground, and laying sod. That’s a Bradford pear; removing it now may be beneficial before it splits.

In my area (SC), there’s a program offering native saplings in exchange for removing Bradford Pears.

I created a flower bed and planted ginger; it works well here in Louisiana.

If you consider grass seed, be ready to reseed every year, as the tree roots likely block survival. A ring of mulch is a better option if you want to avoid constant reseeding.

Qi said:
Put mulch under it.

Absolutely!

Removing the tree was the best decision I made last year.