Why You Might Want To Think Twice Before Planting Grass Over Exposed Tree Roots

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Different kinds of trees bring different kinds of features, and one of those elements is the roots. For many people, these bare pieces look like an eyesore, and they make it hard for grass to grow around them, leading you to the ultimate mission: somehow covering them. However, before you get started covering a tree's exposed roots, you might want to think twice about planting grass, because it ends up competing for the same necessities, like soil nutrients, water, and sunlight.

Grass and trees are like oil and water; they don't mesh well together. Trees have large, spread-out surface roots while grass has very dense, shallow ones. Place them next to each other, and watch as your trees take all the nearby nutrients, leaving your grass nothing. Also, since trees are significantly bigger, they have a tendency to block sunlight from reaching the grass under their limb span. 

Trees also shed a lot of leaf litter, typically covering the ground beneath them for natural mulching. Too much of this mulch can kill grass, which leads to many people picking up this leaf debris, ultimately hindering the tree's natural process. Plus, as turf grass (a common species) tries to grow, once it encounters the tree roots, it will come to a complete stop. And while you can plant grass under established trees, growing groundcovers is better to protect the roots from mowing, fertilizers, and pesticides. And adding moss can help create a biodiverse environment, conserve water, and handle foot traffic.

A simple gardening tip for landscaping around exposed tree roots is to plant ground covers instead because they don't need mowing, fertilizers, or pesticides, and there are many shade-tolerant options that won't compete for the same nutrients, sunlight, and water as trees. As low-growing plants, most ground covers don't get tall enough for you to even need to mow them, which will help by not damaging tree roots with sharp landscaping tools. 

From past years of yard work, you probably know that your grass may need fertilizer and pesticides, which can harm your tree roots. Not needing this additional help, ground covers are an easy-to-maintain pick. Also, just like grass, these short plants can help deter weed growth, retain moisture, and control soil erosion around your established tree.

It's important to note that not any ground cover will do; instead, look for ones that are compatible with your type of tree due to needing little water, being shade-tolerant, and having shallow roots. Some options you may want to look into are the Ajuga genus, 'Biokovo' geraniums, and lamb's ear. Once they finish growing, they create a dense barrier around the trees, protecting them from foot traffic. A majority of these plants also create a visually appealing landscaping setup, even around your trees. Expect pollinators, like bees and butterflies, to visit your yard if you have flowering ground covers.

If you're looking for a whimsical alternative that looks similar to grass, moss is your next best solution, creating biodiversity, helping conserve water, and handling foot traffic. When you add moss around your trees, you create a perfect, lush environment for pollinators and small animals, helping bring beauty to your yard. This soft green cover takes in water, slowly releasing it over time and spreading it to trees and nearby plants. 

And since it doesn't need pesticides or fertilizers, it doesn't release any contaminants or chemicals into the water that it shares with the trees. Unlike many ground covers, moss can handle moderate foot traffic without losing its beautiful appearance. For extra protection, you can add natural elements like stone or wood. 

When choosing an option, remember that not all moss is the same. Stick to moss that can grow in shady spots or already prefers tree bases, like tree moss (Anomodon attenuatus) or pincushion mosses (Leucobryum spp.). Whichever option you choose, make sure to follow its care instructions, ensuring there is enough moisture by installing an irrigation system or by frequently watering around your tree. You also want to clean up leaf debris to stop fungal issues. If you have sunny spots under your trees, you can prevent the moss lawn from drying out by setting out a shade cloth, like the Kesfitt Shade Cloth, until the sun moves out of the way.