Kwanzan cherry tree ground cover/mulching advice - Ask Extension
I couldn't figure out why my grass stopped growing. At first I thought it may have been compacted soil, and then I noticed my cherry blossom tree's su...
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Kwanzan cherry tree ground cover/mulching advice #885286
Asked September 14, 2024, 9:42 PM EDT
I couldn't figure out why my grass stopped growing. At first I thought it may have been compacted soil, and then I noticed my cherry blossom tree's surface roots and figured that my tree and grass are competing for resources. If I have to choose, I'm definitely taking the tree over the grass.!
My question(s) is, should I create a mulch ring around my tree that lightly covers the surface roots to keep them safe from landscapers (HOA)?
If yes, my front yard slopes. Should I place a some form of retainer to keep the mulch from getting washed away?
Finally, for the remaining area that should be safe to plant grass, should I consider alternative such as clover?
Thanks in advance!
Baltimore County Maryland
Expert Response
You are definitely on the right track. The tree and grass will compete for moisture and nutrients, but it is also that turf grass is really a full-sun loving plant that dies out in heavy shade.
We definitely recommend mulching the tree which not only protects it from errant weed wackers but helps the soil to stay more cool and moist. Try to remove any of the black plastic that is unfortunately now somewhat imbedded and visible around the trunk and roots.
Mulch should only be 2-3 inches deep and kept pulled back from contact with the trunk and very thin or level over the roots you can see.
You can learn more about mulching here:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/mulching-trees-and-shrubs/
As far as the slope goes, we can't tell how steep it is, but you could consider tucking in some plugs of a groundcover plant (probably a low one depending on your HOA rules), which are very small plants that you can install in pockets without trying to dig that area full of roots.
You will want to use ones that are suited to the site- which is likely dry. See here for more information and lists of possibilities:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/groundcovers/
Christine
We definitely recommend mulching the tree which not only protects it from errant weed wackers but helps the soil to stay more cool and moist. Try to remove any of the black plastic that is unfortunately now somewhat imbedded and visible around the trunk and roots.
Mulch should only be 2-3 inches deep and kept pulled back from contact with the trunk and very thin or level over the roots you can see.
You can learn more about mulching here:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/mulching-trees-and-shrubs/
As far as the slope goes, we can't tell how steep it is, but you could consider tucking in some plugs of a groundcover plant (probably a low one depending on your HOA rules), which are very small plants that you can install in pockets without trying to dig that area full of roots.
You will want to use ones that are suited to the site- which is likely dry. See here for more information and lists of possibilities:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/groundcovers/
Christine
