SOS
Ive been struggling for years trying to keep my grass from dying ..well the past 5 years it has been dead :((((
I dont want fake grass but considering gravel or else before pouring cement ...
First I need to cut my tree s roots then...

I deleted your incorrect photo, just had to erase the code between the [ lightbox ] brackets.

Thank you

If you cut that many roots or cover them, you will kill the tree. Can you put a ring around the tree out far enough to protect the roots? Or build something raised?

Even if the tree didn't die immediately, the loss of the anchor roots means the tree topples with the first storm.

Do not disturb roots, do not pile a bunch more soil over roots, (will suffocate tree)...
You can mulch... Wood chips pine needles, or whatever y'all have for mulch in California...

I am wondering about fire danger, with the tree so close to house...
You probably should check with the people that help to harden structure against wildfires.
https://www.readyforwildfire.o...

What kind of tree is that?

Don't cut the roots! (Unless you want to get rid of the tree.)
I'd mulch the area, with wood chips or gravel. Don't use a weed barrier.
Then I would set out decorative pots to fill the area with perennial and/or annual flowers.

Lucy68 said: If you cut that many roots or cover them, you will kill the tree. Can you put a ring around the tree out far enough to protect the roots? Or build something raised?

Not sure ..What if I dont cut the two roots close to the balcony ?

Henderman said: What kind of tree is that?

Not sure .it looks like a pear tree but itsnt

Lucy68 said: If you cut that many roots or cover them, you will kill the tree. Can you put a ring around the tree out far enough to protect the roots? Or build something raised?

The roots have been covered for years already ....
I might leave the two roots near the balcony

I'm confused. Are you trying to remove the tree?

If it's exceptionally shady under the tree- and then both shady AND dry, some grass species won't grow there.

It sounds like you are desperate to grow grass where the tree is.
Won't work. The tree dominates. The only thing you can do to get grass to grow there is to do in the tree.
Set up some planters around there, independent of the soil the tree is in. Plant something in the planters that can take shade. Water well and relax.

purpleinopp said: I'm confused. Are you trying to remove the tree?

No I want to.keep.it but the roots prevent me from laying down grass or cement

greenriverfs said: It sounds like you are desperate to grow grass where the tree is.
Won't work. The tree dominates. The only thing you can do to get grass to grow there is to do in the tree.
Set up some planters around there, independent of the soil the tree is in. Plant something in the planters that can take shade. Water well and relax.

I want to pour cement or grass and need to cut the two first root

Cement will kill the tree. Grass won't grow in the shade. Decisions, decisions...

Lucy68 said: Cement will kill the tree. Grass won't grow in the shade. Decisions, decisions...

Ok the big picture is that I need either grass or cement from the tree to the fountain (I know bad picture)
So the roots are really stopping me from doing anything..

Either get rid of the tree or move the fountain. Cutting the roots or covering them with concrete will kill the tree. Pick the solution that you dislike least.

Not sure that you saw my post.

stone said: Even if the tree didn't die immediately, the loss of the anchor roots means the tree topples with the first storm.

Make a choice. either take down the tree... OR leave the roots alone.

You can't have the tree without having the roots.

Planting turf under a tree?
ALWAYS a very BAD idea.

Grass is bad for trees, and turf doesn't grow in the shade.

stone said: Not sure that you saw my post.



Make a choice. either take down the tree... OR leave the roots alone.

You can't have the tree without having the roots.

Planting turf under a tree?
ALWAYS a very BAD idea.

Grass is bad for trees, and turf doesn't grow in the shade.

Again the roots have been covered for years I just exposed the roots because I wanted to see if I had roots underneath . Also I have to lay down something from the tree to the fountain to make my garden looks better...so I either cut the 2 first roots and leave the 2 back roots and pour cement or I leave the roots alone and put mulch/gravel...
Picture is bad but I


Want to cover the area from tree to fountain