Is There Really a Root to the Problem?

When it comes to turfgrass and the competition between trees and turf the answer is yes, there is a root to the problem.  It has been well researched by turf scientists and understood by turf managers for many years that trees are in direct competition with turf plants for water and nutrients. 


Surface roots just off #4 fairway during irrigation project 2007

Result of "free" root pruning during irrigation project 

We are currently doing some root pruning of trees to give the edge to the turf plant and hopefully give the turf a better growing environment.  There are some common "myths" when it comes to trees and their expansive root systems.  The first is that roots only go out to the drip line of the tree...wrong.  The root system will typically go out some 85-90% of the tree height.  So for example, a tree that is 70 feet tall could have a root system that goes out nearly 60 feet from the tree.  When this same tree is 25 feet off a fairway then the competition opportunity is definitely in favor of the tree.  Another "myth" is that trees have deep root systems that are well below the turf plant roots so they are not competing for the same water and nutrients...wrong again.  Trees can and do have roots very near the surface and often are just 3-4 inches below the surface and directly in the root zone of turf plants again creating a competitive situation. 

CCP crew member using a ground saw to root prune #2 Fairway

Our root pruning is at a depth of 12 inches and this is enough to give the turf plant a fair chance at capturing water and nutrients before the tree does.  We only prune the side between the tree and a fairway, tee box or green.  This is a common practice on golf courses across the United States and does not damage the trees health when done properly.  It is necessary to root prune every 3-4 years as trees do regenerate new roots over time that will reach back into the turf area.   We are in our 5th season since the irrigation project so the free root pruning has worn off and it is necessary to do it again in select areas.  The 2.5 inch trench that is created from the process is back filled and seeded and should recover nicely over the next month.     .