Yard grass questions

[gtsticker]

We have some spots under our oaks that of course don’t grow grass. I trimmed them up and cut down some other trees to provide sunlight to those areas. My plan is to fence them off from the dogs and put in some extra top soil to cover the tree roots that are starting to be exposed. Then put Bermuda turf (thinking it will be good for traffic and water) and letting it grow for several months before letting anything walk on it. AM I doing this correctly? What else should I consider doing? Any help appreciated.

[mikemorvan]

The main thing with Bermuda grass is sunlight. If the areas you are working on have enough sunlight the grass will grow. Just make sure the grass gets p l e n t y of sun.

[Walker]

The main thing with Bermuda grass is sunlight. If the areas you are working on have enough sunlight the grass will grow. Just make sure the grass gets p l e n t y of sun.

This. Bermuda grass needs lots of sun.

[tdwinklr]

We have some spots under our oaks that of course don’t grow grass. I trimmed them up and cut down some other trees to provide sunlight to those areas. My plan is to fence them off from the dogs and put in some extra top soil to cover the tree roots that are starting to be exposed. Then put Bermuda turf (thinking it will be good for traffic and water) and letting it grow for several months before letting anything walk on it. AM I doing this correctly? What else should I consider doing? Any help appreciated.

'extra top soil to cover the tree roots that are starting to be exposed.'

I would be very careful about that. Supposedly and according to some tree experts, adding too much soil on
top of exposed tree roots will eventually kill it. The roots are trying to get more oxygen and surfacing.
Is this a clay soil or sandy?

[gtsticker]

It is black gumbo

is there a better grass to use? I tried st augustine in the area and it did not take.

[Yak blue]

'extra top soil to cover the tree roots that are starting to be exposed.'

I would be very careful about that. Supposedly and according to some tree experts, adding too much soil on
top of exposed tree roots will eventually kill it. The roots are trying to get more oxygen and surfacing.
Is this a clay soil or sandy?

Agree with this.

Tree roots are a part of life. Some species like bald cypress, live oak, and cedar elm are more prominent at exposed roots than others.
I definitely wouldn’t put mulch or topsoil over them. Either remove the tree if you have to have grass, or switch to ground cover or shade tolerant shrubs, or both.
think you’ll be just wasting money if you are wanting a tree and grass.

had this happen in my yard with my live oak. Got tired of the wife complaining about “the dirt and the weeds” under the tree.

Bought a bunch of stone and landscaped in all the way around the drip line, Put in mondo grass, Nandinas, and a bunch of shade loving hollies.
Thin layer of mulch. Lot of water first year to establish it. Mondo grass is filling in good and hiding the tree roots.

I don’t know. Something to think about.

[Playa]

It is black gumbo

is there a better grass to use? I tried st augustine in the area and it did not take.

Common Bermuda needs almost full sun. Hybrids like Tif (grand, way or tuf) or celebration are more shade tolerant. But they will spread and overtake other areas. Fescue may be better option as it doesn’t spread aggressively.

also decaying oak tree leaves and acorns will make your soil acidic, making difficult for turf grasses to thrive

[jerp]

Trees actually breathe through their roots - I would not cover them. After trimming and trying all kinds of so called "shade tolerant" turf grass I finally gave up. Even St Augustine needs 6+ hours of direct sunlight to thrive. I installed landscape edging and planted groundcover. I now have beds of Asian Jasmine, Purple Wintercreeper or Giant Liriope in super shady areas.

[TeamAmerica]

No way Bermuda will do well. Go with mondo grass. A little dirt won't hurt the roots but more than an inch or so could be trouble for the tree

[elhefe]

Bermuda will not make it there. Ask me how I know, same issue and Bermuda is a no go

[Duckhead78]

'extra top soil to cover the tree roots that are starting to be exposed.'

I would be very careful about that. Supposedly and according to some tree experts, adding too much soil on
top of exposed tree roots will eventually kill it. The roots are trying to get more oxygen and surfacing.
Is this a clay soil or sandy?

This is a True statement. Some trees will die off with too much dirt added onto exposed roots.. Zoysia turf grass tends to be more shade tolerant than others. Bermuda needs full sunlight to really get to its potential. Pending on how many dogs you have in that area and how long, their urine will kill the grass no matter what you put in there. From experience, starting turf grass from seed is painful. If you have the extra money go with sod whichever turf grass you decide on. Zoysia will be around $165 a pallet and a pallet will cover 450 sq ft. Prices and coverage will vary from different sod farms.