When it comes to your yard, most of the turf trouble starts where you can’t see it—underground. One of the biggest hidden culprits? Tree root competition. While your trees and your lawn might look like they’re peacefully coexisting, they’re actually locked in a constant battle for resources like water, nutrients, and space.
Tree root competition happens when the roots of your trees and the roots of your grass overlap and fight for the same essential resources. Most tree roots grow outward—not downward—and can extend two to three times beyond the canopy. That means they often intrude into lawn zones, where they compete with turfgrass for moisture, nutrients, and oxygen.
If your lawn is struggling, especially around the base of trees, root competition might be to blame. Here’s what to look for:
Thin, patchy grass under and around trees
Brown or dry grass despite regular watering
Lawn that never seems to “green up” near tree trunks
Exposed roots breaking through the surface
Turfgrass typically has shallow roots—especially cool-season grasses—which makes them especially vulnerable when trees start hogging the water. During hot or dry weather, tree roots pull moisture faster and deeper than your grass can, leaving your lawn parched and struggling to survive. On top of that, mature trees can shade out your lawn, reducing the sunlight grass needs to grow.
At Top Turf, we know it’s possible to create harmony between trees and turf. If removing the tree isn't in the cards, here’s how to manage the underground competition:
Apply a mulch ring (2–4 inches thick) around the base of your trees, extending several feet beyond the trunk. This shades the roots, conserves moisture, and eliminates the need for grass in areas where it just can’t win.
How to Mulch Properly:
Use natural mulch like shredded bark, pine straw, or wood chips.
Apply a layer 2–4 inches thick—thick enough to be effective but not suffocating.
Extend the mulch ring at least 2–3 feet from the base of the tree (or out to the dripline if possible).
Leave space around the trunk—about 2–3 inches—to prevent rot and pests. The mulch should resemble a donut, not a volcano.
Adding shade-tolerant flowers can enhance visual appeal and create a clean, intentional look.
If you have a strict HOA, mulching is a way to help the problem fast—while still keeping your yard neat, uniform, and compliant with neighborhood standards. A well-maintained mulch ring looks intentional and attractive, all while solving the underlying issue of root competition. It’s a simple upgrade that improves curb appeal and keeps both your grass and HOA happy.
Deep watering less frequently helps both grass and trees develop deeper, stronger root systems. If water is limited, prioritize turf areas most impacted by competition.
To know how much water your type of grass needs, click here.
Core aeration helps reduce compaction caused by aggressive tree roots and improves air, water, and nutrient flow to your grass. This gives turf a better fighting chance, especially in heavy clay soils. Top Turf provides aeration services seasonally based on what type of grass you have.
However, if tree roots are too close to the surface, we may not be able to safely aerate that area—exposed or shallow roots can damage our equipment, and the process could also harm the tree. In these cases, we’ll recommend alternative solutions, like strategic mulching, to improve turf appearance without putting your trees or equipment at risk.
If your lawn is shaded by large trees, consider transitioning to a shade-tolerant turf type that’s better adapted to the environment—and more resilient against root competition. Some grasses simply don’t perform well in low-light conditions, no matter how much care they receive. For better long-term results, look for varieties bred specifically for shade.
St. Augustine and Zoysia grasses handle shade better than most. These types are better equipped to grow under tree canopies and will hold their color and density with less sun exposure.
In some cases, the competition is too tough to handle alone. At Top Turf, we offer aeration, lawn fertilization, and expert recommendations tailored to your lawn’s unique environment. If you’re seeing signs of tree root takeover, let us help you even the playing field. Contact us today!
Let Your Lawn Breathe Again
Trees are a beautiful part of any landscape—but they shouldn’t choke out your turf. With the right strategy, your lawn can thrive alongside even the most stubborn tree roots.