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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.