04/19/2026
Annd call a certified arborist to inspect for those pesky girdling roots and mitigate any issues before you cover them up!
Turn that messy dirt patch under your tree into a peaceful shade garden that actually keeps your tree healthy and your mower far away from the roots.
Tree roots that stick out of the ground make mowing very dangerous because you can hit them with a sharp blade. These bumpy roots look messy and can get hurt by the sun or heavy foot traffic. Grass usually dies under big trees anyway because there is not enough light which leaves you with a giant patch of mud.
You get a cool spot to sit on a hot day without getting your shoes dirty or tracking mud inside. The mulch acts like a soft blanket that keeps the tree roots moist and protects the trunk from being hit by a string trimmer. It also gives you a place to grow beautiful shade plants that do not need much sun to look great. This setup turns a wasted area into the most comfortable and quiet part of your entire yard.
Use a garden hose to mark a wide circle around the base of the tree so you know exactly where to put the edge. Pull out any big weeds by hand but do not dig deep into the ground because you might cut the important tree roots. Spread a two inch layer of dark wood mulch over the area while keeping the wood at least five inches away from the actual trunk. Use a small trowel to plant shade lovers like Blue Angel Hostas or Autumn Ferns in the spaces between the big roots. Place a heavy wooden bench on the flattest part of the mulch so it stays level and does not wobble.
Avoid piling mulch against the tree bark because it can cause the wood to rot and bring in hungry bugs. Choose plants like Lenten Roses that come back every year and do not mind the dry soil found near large trees. Make sure your mulch layer is not too thick or it might block the air that the roots need to breathe. Using a bench with wide feet prevents it from sinking into the soft mulch after a heavy rain storm.
Add a few bags of fresh mulch every spring to keep the weeds down and keep the colors looking sharp for your summer relaxing sessions.
