How to Grow Grass on Top of Oak Tree Roots

Oak trees can become very large, producing hours of shade under their branches and developing shallow, large root systems. Growing grass on the roots requires the presence of some type of organic matter, as well as appropriate amounts of sunlight. You can only cover the ground under an oak with a small amount of organic matter, or you risk smothering the top roots. Once you plant the grass, you must care for it differently than you do the rest of the lawn.

Rake
Pruning shears
Compost or mushroom soil
Fescue seed
Lawn fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Rake away fallen leaves from the base of the tree. Remove any rocks or other debris.
- 2
  Prune any branches growing on the bottom 10 feet of the tree trunk. If your oak is not yet that tall, prune off any branches growing below the main foliage line. This will increase sunlight under the tree base.
- 3
  Cover the roots around the base of the tree with 1 inch of organic compost. You can also use mushroom soil, if that is readily available in your area. Do this in the late summer or early fall in northern climates, or early spring in warmer climates.
- 4
  Broadcast a cool weather fescue seed on top of the compost covering the roots, according to the directions on the seed package, if you live in the North. Broadcast a warm weather St. Augustine shade tolerant variety if you live in the South.
- 5
  Water the grass until the soil settles. Once the grass sprouts, let it grow to at least 3½ inches before you cut it. Do not cut it shorter than that.
- 6
  Continue watering at a rate of 1 inch more than the rest of the lawn needs weekly. Always water in the morning so the sun has a chance to dry the grass and prevent disease formation.
- 7
  Apply fertilizer in the fall at a rate of 2 pounds per 1,000 square feet or less. When the tree begins to drop leaves, rake them away to keep the grass from dying. Keep people and pets from walking on the grass.

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