Tree Pruning: How Can I Get Grass To Grow Under My Shade Tree?

Imagine this: You’ve got a picturesque yard with beautiful trees pruned by a professional, new landscaping and stonework, and lush grass as far as the eye can see. Well, except for that one long strip out by the curb. That’s where your old oak tree is planted, and while you wouldn’t dream of getting rid of the tree, you wonder if it’s the reason why you can’t get any grass to grow.

The short answer is yes. A tree that large will always be the main reason grass struggles to grow around it, next to it, or anywhere in the vicinity. But if removing the tree isn’t an option, what can you do to bring your grass back to life?

In today’s blog post, we will explore a few options with help from your friends at Clean Edge Tree Service Wisconsin.

Step 1: Tree Pruning Is Crucial If You Want Grass To Grow

If it’s been a while since you hired a tree trimming and pruning professional, you might want to get on the horn and get something scheduled. Trees should be pruned every year or two. This is especially true for large shade trees, which can quickly become too dense and overcrowded as time passes. Sure, the tree looks healthy and full, but the downside is that not enough light and air can pass through the canopy and make its way to the grass below it. 

Tree pruning includes thoughtfully removing diseased, dead, hanging, or weak branches to improve appearance and lengthen a tree’s lifespan. Tree pruning is a science. It’s skilled artwork performed by an experienced, certified arborist who strategically assesses a tree’s appearance and condition to understand precisely which limbs and branches to cut and how and where to cut them.

And as you prune away all the bad stuff, especially at greater heights, critical sunlight and air will reach the grass below.

Step 2: Water Your Grass

If you’re committed to getting grass to grow under your shade tree, you must remember that large shade trees are notorious for sucking up a ton of water and moisture from the surrounding areas. As a result, there’s little to no leftover water for the nearby grass. Couple that with extreme temperatures and limited rainfall, and that’s why you also see dead grass, dirt, and mud under your tree. 

To combat this, it’s essential to water your grass as much as possible. You may think you are overwatering, especially in that one area where grass won’t grow. But you’re not. The tree will take up a lot of that water, and plenty will remain left over for the grass.

Consider investing in a sprinkler system if you don’t already have one.

Step 3: Aerate Your Lawn

With aeration, your goal is to poke small holes into the lawn to relieve soil compaction and allow air, water, and nutrients to pass through and reach the grass roots. Over time, this will hopefully produce a stronger, more vigorous lawn. Once you are finished aerating the lawn, add soil to the grass and surrounding areas. Doing so provides your grass with critical nutrients and a suitable environment.

These three steps should help immensely to ensure grass starts growing again under your shade tree. If you’re still stuck or running into the same problems each year, consider a low-maintenance grass such as Zoysia, St. Augustine, or Bluegrass.

You Can’t Go Wrong With Hiring a Tree Service Professional

Sometimes, the easiest answer to getting grass to grow under your shade tree is to call in a professional. And guess what … Clean Edge Tree Service Wisconsin wants to be your expert tree pruning partner. We offer free estimates and will answer any questions or concerns you may have. You can depend on our commitment to quality and our vast knowledge of what trees need the most. When it comes to tree pruning in Sheboygan County, we use several approaches depending on what your trees need at that time.

1. Crown Reduction — Crown reduction is a tree pruning method that reduces the tree’s height. Branches are cut back to laterals to limit the height and spread of the crown and mechanical stress on the entire tree.

2. Crown Cleaning—The goal is to remove weak, diseased, dead, and hazardous branches. But most people don’t realize crown cleaning also includes eliminating branches crossing and rubbing together. Through crown cleaning, you eliminate potentially harmful branches and expand the light passing through the tree.

3. Crown Raising — This method is critical when tree limbs and branches grow into structures or power lines. It is also suitable for low-hanging branches that present hazards to people and vehicles or interfere with activities such as mowing.

4. Crown Thinning — This tree pruning technique aims to reduce weight on heavier limbs, improve sunlight to the inner canopy and lawn, limit the spread of disease throughout the rest of the tree, and reduce drag caused by heavy winds.

When you search “tree service near me” or “tree service Sheboygan Falls” for your residential and commercial tree service needs, Clean Edge Tree Service Wisconsin should be your first call every time.

Call Clean Edge Tree Service Today!

Clean Edge Tree Service Wisconsin is your residential and commercial tree removal and 24-7 storm clean-up pro in Sheboygan Falls and surrounding areas. We are family-owned and operated by certified arborists who have deep personal roots in this community, which means we have the equipment and experience to tackle any tree project you throw our way safely and efficiently. 

Do you need to trim a few branches or remove a stump? We do that. Did your tree fall over in a storm? We’ll be there for whatever emergency storm clean-up needs you have. Call Clean Edge Tree Service today!