Tag artificial turf

tree with artificial turf surrounding it

Can Synthetic Turf and Trees Coexist?

by Texas Tree Surgeons Arborist Services, Tree Health Care

As arborists and tree lovers we do not recommend synthetic grass/turf installed anywhere near a tree.

While your tree will not die immediately and you may be reassured by your install company that they have never seen a tree die from turf install, it will kill it. 

Healthy trees do not die suddenly because of their stored energy and nutrients. 

Once a tree has a stress event (like synthetic grass installation)  they slowly start to decline. Different trees will respond at different rates. A red oak may last three years before declining while a live oak may last 5-7 years. Each tree and each tree species will respond differently.

How trees are damaged in the install of synthetic grass and why it is bad for tree health:

  • The plants and soil around the tree are removed and the area is graded
  • This is bad for tree health because a trees fine roots that absorb nutrients and water are removed and damaged
  • The ground is compressed and a layer of filler is applied
  • This is bad for trees because soil compression suffocates the remaining roots
  • Turf is laid out
  • During this process harmful chemicals are introduced into the environment
  • This is bad for trees because without proper nutrients and water uptake (the roots that were damaged in the first two stages) the tree has no way to process or move these chemicals
tree with artificial turf surrounding it

How trees are damaged by having synthetic turf around them:

  • After synthetic grass/turf is installed, the tree has already entered a stage of stress. Now it will try to survive with limited resources.
  • All of its roots are covered with synthetic turf and they are no longer receiving nutrients and have access to limited water. Even if you add additional watering it will not be able to permeate the compressed soil well.
  • The increased temperatures that synthetic turf causes scald and lead to even further root death.
  • All of the living organic material (tree food) in the soil will die and there will be no way for the tree to uptake any nutrients. The organic material in the soil are also being suffocated.
  • The larger support roots and remaining fine nutrient absorbing roots will start to rot and die. As this happens the entire tree begins to become unstable.

 Can you reverse the damage done by synthetic turf?

If you have a tree that has had artificial turf installed and you now want to remove it, or would like to help reverse the tree’s decline you are in for some disconcerting news. Sadly there will be even more damage to the tree and the remaining roots in this process. 

Removing artificial turf is a time consuming and difficult task. In addition to removing the turf there is crushed granite (or other material used to compress soil). If the tree was able, it would have begun to grow fine roots up to the surface to get nutrients and water, these new roots will be growing in the granite and under the turf and when you remove this material it will also remove these new roots.

If you are going to try and remove artificial turf, good on you, but get an certified arborist with Tree Health Care knowledge to help guide you. The tree will need proper watering, fertilizer/soil amendments, and a growth regulator to survive. 

It will take years for the tree to recover.

If you still aren’t dissuaded from installing artificial turf we have a few tips:

  • Start turf as far away from the truck as possible, ideally there would be no turf under the canopy.
  • Properly mulch the area left under the tree and do not plant other plants.
  • Have your tree on a Tree Health Care service plan so your tree will have the best chances of survival.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! Synthetic turf can make lawn care easy, but it’s important to be aware of the impact artificial grass can have on trees and the living components of your landscape. If you are considering having artificial grass installed, or want to know what impact your synthetic turf is having on your trees, one of our certified arborists would be happy to come out and have a look. Contact us today!

we love trees

Top 10 Trends That Need to Go in 2024

by Texas Tree Surgeons Arborist Services, Resources, Tree Health Care

At Texas Tree Surgeons we love trees. This is our top 10 list of tree trends that got to go in 2024!

  • Topped Crape Myrtles
    • Just stop! It is a weird trend in North Texas that is based solely on aesthetics and doesn’t increase bloom production.
  • Artificial Turf *
    • What’s worse than grass, artificial grass? It may look perfect, but it will kill your tree. 
  • Decorative Rocks at the Base of Trees
    • Who decided heavy rocks at the base of trees is more attractive than mulch? It adds weight and during the summer extra heat to cook your tree roots. If you want to hide your roots, we suggest mulch. It looks great, and benefits the health of your tree.
  • Lack of Tree Protection During Construction
    • Leading killer of urban trees is construction due to soil compaction. This could be easily prevented with consultation from a certified arborist.
  • Improperly Pruned Trees
    • Improperly pruned trees, like lion tailing, ruins the structural ability of the tree which causes damage to its overall health. Avoid this risk by only hiring an ISA Certified Arborist for tree services. 
  • Use of Weed & Feed *
    • The chemicals used on consumer products like weed & feed misrepresent its effects on trees. By nature weed & feed is designed to kill woody stemmed plants. Trees are woody stemmed plants.
  • Relying on Sprinkler Systems to Water Trees
    • A common mistake people make is assuming that their sprinkler systems will adequately water their trees. Sprinkler systems were designed with lawns in mind and not trees. Trees need to be watered with a soaker hose or garden hose on slow, low pressure.
  • Root Disturbance
    • The roots of a tree need to be cared for as much, if not more than the canopy of tree. Best way to care for them? Leave them untouched.
  • Incorrectly Planted Trees
    • Trees are an investment, taking the time to plant a tree correctly will ensure your tree will thrive and increase the value of your home.
  • Waiting Till There are Signs of Stress to Contact an Arborist
    • Preventive care is the best care. Having a certified arborist  that regularly assesses and understands the local environment in relation to your specific tree will ensure it will remain healthy in the long term. Waiting until there are signs of stress in a tree’s canopy incurs more cost and harm.

* (these articles will be released in the near future, check back to read)

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! What are your top ten harmful tree trends that need to go? We would love to know.

Artificial Turf and Trees

by Texas Tree Surgeons Resources, Tree Health Care

It seems that artificial turf is becoming more and more popular each year. With less required maintenance and year-round color, artificial grass can seem like an easy way to have a lush, green lawn. One thing that synthetic turf cannot replicate, however, is the role of natural turf grass in the ecosystem of your yard. Replacing a living organism with a nonorganic ground cover can have unseen adverse effects on other landscape plants, especially trees.

Is Artificial Turf Good For Trees?

The short answer is “no.” To understand why, we need to understand the benefits that natural grass brings to the soil around a tree.

  • Synthetic grass reduces the water and air that can penetrate into the soil and be taken up by the roots.
    • While artificial turf is somewhat porous, natural turf is constantly aerating the soil with its roots and keeping the ground from becoming hard and compacted.
  • The environment created by synthetic turf is harmful to beneficial fungi and bacteria that naturally occur in the soil.
    • These microorganisms need the biomatter from organic lawn coverings to thrive.
    • Without these fungi and bacteria, the nutrients trees feed on will not be replenished and the soil will become inhospitable.
  • Artificial grass prevents above-ground nutrients from reaching tree roots.
    • Similarly to how it does not allow air and water to penetrate easily, artificial turf also prevents natural organic materials (leaf litter, insect castings, etc.) from easily reaching the soil and the tree’s root system.
    • When synthetic turf is rinsed off, much of the organic material on top of it is washed away and a major source of nutrients for the tree is lost.
  • If herbicide is used in conjunction with synthetic turf, trees can be poisoned.
    • Herbicides are often used to prepare an area for artificial turf installation.
      • These herbicides can be taken up by a tree’s roots and poison the tree, sometimes irreparably.

Will Artificial Grass Kill My Tree?

Short answer: “yes.” However, the decline of a tree because of artificial turf installation can be a long process and it may take several years to see the signs. Depending on the age and health of a tree, it may have enough reserves of energy to go three to five years without showing signs of stress. However, much like with construction stress, once a cycle of decline has begun, it is difficult to control and it can be impossible to prevent the death of the tree.

Does Synthetic Grass Cause Issues With Having My Trees Trimmed?

In addition to the deleterious health effects on the trees themselves, synthetic turf poses unique problems when considering having tree trimming, tree removal, or other tree work performed.

  • Debris from tree work, such as sawdust, can easily get caught in artificial turf, cause clumping, and be difficult and time-consuming to remove.
  • Heat and oil from tools and machinery can discolor or melt artificial grass, making repair or replacement necessary.
  • Even when care is taken, the weight and impact of falling limbs and trunks can cause divots, dents, and tears in synthetic turf, also necessitating repair or replacement.

How can I help a tree that has synthetic turf around it?

If you have an artificial turf lawn, don’t worry! There are several things you can do to help your trees survive.

  • Give your trees as much room as possible.
    • Leave a gap between the tree trunk and any non-organic ground cover (artificial grass, landscape fabric).
      • We recommend a buffer zone of at least four feet.
  • Consider installing ports in synthetic turf for fertilization.
    • When fertilizer is applied using a feeder rod, it is necessary to puncture synthetic grass to access the soil and root system.
    • Pre-installation of ports allows for easy access and minimizes repairs.
  • Fertilize your trees regularly with a product that contains organic matter that can enrich the soil.
    • Artificial turf kills beneficial bacteria and fungi, so these organisms need to be replenished.
  • Water your trees during dry periods.
    • Without the indicator of browning grass, it can be difficult to remember that living plants still need water.
    • Establish a good watering routine to keep your trees healthy during hot and dry seasons.
  • Before installing artificial grass, consult an ISA Certified Arborists  to evaluate your trees.
    • An arborist can make you aware of any pre-existing issues with your trees and provide advice on how best to prepare your trees for the stress of synthetic turf installation.
  • Make sure to use a company employing ISA Certified Arborists for any tree health or trimming needs.
    • Inform them that you have synthetic grass around the tree, so that your arborist can be prepared to look for signs of decline.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! Artificial turf can make lawn care easy, but it’s important to be aware of the impact synthetic grass can have on trees and the living components of your landscape. If you are considering having artificial grass installed, or want to know what impact your synthetic turf is having on your trees, one of our certified arborists would be happy to come out and have a look. Contact us today!