Seasonal Tree Care Tips:
Summer, 2017
Trees and turfgrasses are commonly planted together in residential landscapes, but are not so easily compatible. They compete for water, sunlight, nutrients, and root space. Tree trunks are easily damaged by lawnmowers. And, what about those expansive surface roots damaging your lawnmower blades?
Understanding how to better manage the competition will help you take advantage of the variety of benefits trees and turfgrasses can provide. For example: surface rooting throughout lawn areas can be prevented with proper tree species selection, soil improvements, and providing a slow, deep, and infrequent watering beneath tree canopies; a grass-free ring of bark mulch is a good alternative around tree trunks to help keep lawnmowers away, in addition to a variety of other benefits the mulch will provide; and, new varieties of shade tolerant grasses are becoming more available.
Learn more about trees and turfgrasses by visiting these sites:
- Trees and Turf Brochure (TreesAreGood.org Tree Owner Information)
- Tree roots coming to the lawn surface can be a real headache (Seattle Times, Ciscoe Morris, October 29, 2015)
- Mechanical Damage to Trees: Mowing and Maintenance Equipment (Purdue Extension, FNR-492-W)
- Tree Watering (Arbor Day Foundation)
- Plant Guide: Water-Efficient Plans for the Willamette Valley
Please check back for more seasonal tree care and maintenance advice!
Please check back for more seasonal tree care and maintenance advice!
Link to Tree Care and Maintenance Archives
Archives -
Fall 2016: Preparing Trees for Winter
Summer 2016: Drought Stress
Winter 2017: Recognizing Tree Risk
Additional Tree Care Resources:
| National Arbor Day Foundation | The Morton Arboretum |
| Oregon Department of Forestry | Tree Care Info |
| ISA Find an Arborist | Oregon Community Trees |
| Oregon Department of Forestry | Alliance for Community Trees |
Right Tree in the Right Place
Use this handy guide for assistance in choosing the right species of tree based on the constraints of a site, such as overhead wires, narrow plant strips, and proximity to structures.
"Right Tree Right Place" - helpful information such as "Use this guide for assistance in choosing the right species of tree based on the constraints of a site, such as overhead wires, narrow plant strips, and proximity to structures."
"Master Plant List" - a guide to the plants that are acceptable for mitigation requirements in Lake Oswego.
