What is the best method for killing grass around trees?

Smothering the grass would probably be the safest short of pulling it up. Wet the grass and cover with sheets of newspaper (good luck finding that - perhaps brown paper would work as well). Wet the paper as well and cover with mulch. The paper will prevent light from getting to the grass so it will die.

I agee with Kathy's advice. Blocking the sun to prevent growth is the key. This could also be done by using cardboard or plastic.

Cut it as short as possible, or rip it out. Lay down landscape fabric and cover with mulch.

you could put pavers around the tree or pebbles the weight will kill the grass.

You could use the vinegar method or get grass killer at the store.

I use a Bernzomatic torch from my workshop. That will kill the grass but not harm the wood. Put weed cloth on top of the burned grass then mulch on top of that.

i use the torch to sterilize clippers after pruning orchids si it is always handy and easy to use. It is very helpful in cleaning up patches where you don’t grass or weeds.

Mark off the area.

Burn the grass

Cut and pin down the weed cloth

Add the decorative mulch

This is only a 10 minute job and is easier on you back than digging out the grass. I have found cardboard and newspaper breakdown too fast and plastic doesn’t let the water through.

Cardboard to smother the grass and periodic maintenance is your best bet.

Hope this Helps! Jeremy

Make sure, if you try vinegar, you find out more about your tree and if it can handle it. I personally would dig up the grass and put landscape cloth around it so the tree can still get water while at the same time preventing grass growth.

Put down a healthy level of pine tree needles, the acid in them will kill the grass.

The grass beneath the tree should be damp before being covered with eight to ten sheets of newspaper. Wet them in between each layer of newspaper to make them heavier and prevent wind from blowing them away. Mulch over the newspaper. Since the newspaper blocks out light, the grass withers.

I took old scraps of carpet and put it down on bare dirt. I then put about 4-6 inches of pea gravel down. It is still keeping the weeds away and it has been almost 10 years now. I do have a stray weed every now and then.

Wood ash will make the ground inhospitable to grass

Hello, I would cover it with heavy landscape fabric then once it dies back, you can dig out the grass, or add a frame and put rock or something down over the fabric

But birds will love dusting in that.

The best way is to dig it up. Any chemicals can be absorbed by the tree.

I'd use mulch. A good layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree can help suppress grass and weeds, and it's beneficial for the tree too! Just make sure to leave some room around the actual trunk to avoid rot.

That said, for the best advice tailored to your specific tree and situation, you might want to consult with a professional. I came across this arborist Houston site, and they might be able to guide you on the best approach for your tree.

The best method for killing grass around trees is to use a physical barrier. Cut the grass as short as possible and cover it with multiple layers of newspaper or cardboard, then add a thick layer of mulch. This blocks sunlight, suppressing grass growth without harming the tree. Avoid chemical herbicides as they can damage the tree roots. For a non-toxic spray option, diluted vinegar can be effective but apply carefully, as it can lower soil pH and affect the tree if used excessively. Regular maintenance will be needed to keep the area grass-free. Also, use these simple tips from the article https://gardeniaorganic.com/can-you-make-trees-grow-faster/ to grow trees faster

Grass doesn't normally do ell under trees, but if you have it dig it out or cut out the turf.