Dealing with tree roots in your lawn

How to deal with tree roots in your

Tree roots in your lawn can be a real pain creating an uneven surface and making it hard to mow the lawn 

You can remove the roots but it’s often best to top dress the lawn to raise the level of the lawn over the roots 

If you have a lawn with tree roots coming through the surface, there are a few things you can do to address the issue. One solution is to top dress the lawn, which involves adding a layer of soil or organic matter to the surface of the lawn.

Here are some notes to keep in mind when top dressing a lawn with tree roots:

Identify the problem areas: Walk around your lawn and identify the areas where tree roots are coming through the surface. Mark these areas so you know where to focus your efforts.

Choose the right soil or organic matter: The type of soil or organic matter you choose will depend on your specific situation. If you have clay soil, for example, you may want to choose a sandy soil or compost that will help improve drainage. If you have sandy soil, you may want to choose a compost that will help improve water retention.

Prepare the lawn: Before you top dress the lawn, you’ll need to prepare it by mowing it short and raking up any debris. You may also need to remove any larger  tree roots that are causing the problem.

Apply the top dressing: Spread the soil or organic matter evenly over the lawn, taking care not to bury the grass blades. The top dressing should be no more than 1/2 inch thick.

Water the lawn: After you’ve applied the top dressing, water the lawn thoroughly to help the soil settle and to encourage the grass to grow through the top dressing.

Maintain the lawn: Once you’ve top dressed the lawn, you’ll need to maintain it by mowing it regularly and fertilizing it as needed. You may also need to water it more frequently, especially during hot and dry weather.

Keep in mind that top dressing a lawn with tree roots may not solve the problem entirely so you might need to apply a top dressing once a year 

Also remember the golden rule with top dressing a lawn is not to smoother the lawn grass completely  so it has a chance to recover by growing through the top dressing you have applied