Big trees can be a big nuisance when it comes to surface roots. In fact, once the roots of some large trees invade your turf grass, you can forget about the grass being able to grow. One solution is to remove the tree entirely, but many home gardeners are loath to do that. Another solution is to stop trying to grow grass over the roots. A third, less common solution, is to invest in artificial turf.
Choosing Artificial Grass
Artificial turf, or grass, is most commonly used on athletic fields, where placing it over the roots of a tree is not usually an issue. Artificial grass is popular with some home gardeners, however, due to its durable nature and the fact that it requires less upkeep than natural grass. Home gardeners do not need to be too concerned about the effects of large tree roots on artificial grass, or vice versa. In most cases, artificial turf can be placed directly over the roots of a large tree without harming them, according to award-winning Southern California horticulturist Pat Welsh. Not only that, but unlike mulch or natural grass, it can be installed right up to the tree's trunk.
Pros of Artificial Grass
Artificial grass works much like plastic mulch. It stifles weed growth, insulates the roots and helps the soil retain moisture. Not only that, but artificial grass won't compete with the nutritional needs of the tree because it doesn't have any roots. Often, grass doesn't grow well under a tree because the tree's roots are hogging all of the nutrients and water in the soil. This is especially true of large trees. In addition, natural grass struggles to grow under big trees becasue it isn't exposed to a lot of sunlight under the tree's canopy. With artificial grass, you don't have these problems.
Cons of Artificial Grass
In most cases, artificial grass will not harm the roots of a big tree, but there are a few exceptions. One downside of artificial grass is that it can get really hot. This can actually benefit some trees -- in particular, tropical and subtropical trees. But in the case of trees that thrive in cold climates, the ground might get too hot -- especially during unusually hot and dry summers. In general, artificial grass is best installed over large trees that grow best in warm conditions, such as the southern oak (Quercus virginiana), which thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. In addition, it might be difficult to water and fertilize trees with artificial turf installed over them, although many artificial turfs are permeable to allow water to run through instead of collect on the surface. It depends on the manufacturer and is something to check on before you purchase and install the grass.
Alternatives to Artificial Grass
Sometimes, artificial grass looks rather -- artificial. A large, natural tree surrounded by a sea of bright green, plastic grass might look out of place in your home landscape. If so, there are other options you can consider. One good way to deal with the surface roots of large trees is to establish a circle of mulch around the tree. This is not only healthy for the tree, but it can be attractive, and it allows you to grow natural grass around the circle if you desire. In fact, you could even install artificial grass around the circle of mulch. This way, when tree debris drops -- such as leaves during the fall -- you can work it into the mulch rather than having to rake it out of the artificial grass.
- Georgia Forestry Commission: What to do about Surface Roots in Your Landscape
- Pat Welsh's Garden Expressions: Artifical Grass and Trees
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Synthetic Turf -- Health Debate Takes Root
- CE Artificial Lawns: Frequently Asked Questions
- This Old House: How to Deal With Exposed Tree Roots in Established Yards
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Quercus Virginiana
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