Artificial turf & mature fruit trees - Ask Extension
Hello,
I have 3 mature fruit trees (2 Apple, 1 pear) in my backyard that are at least 30 years old. A grass lawn is planted around the trees. I also...
Knowledgebase
Artificial turf & mature fruit trees #923309
Asked January 04, 2026, 9:19 PM EST
Hello,
I have 3 mature fruit trees (2 Apple, 1 pear) in my backyard that are at least 30 years old. A grass lawn is planted around the trees. I also have 2 young, very athletic dogs who have made the lawn into a muddy mess. I would like to replace the existing lawn with artificial turf, but have seen conflicting information about whether this will harm the trees. Can I replace the existing lawn with artificial turf without damaging the trees? How much space do I need to leave uncovered around the base of the tree?
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Artificial turf has drawbacks based on this page from Colorado State University Extension. Issues include the scent on warm days, heat build up, cleaning or disinfecting pet deposits and tree droppings, and tree roots growing up into the turf surface.
I’m not finding scientific research on how close to tree trunks the turf can be installed without hurting the tree. Mostly the advice from turf installers is to avoid trees. The Colorado page said “The carpet/topdressing combination does allow water to infiltrate underlying soil. There is no research to document effects on soil microbes, earthworms, or insects or to the health of landscape plants with roots growing under the carpet.” (My emphasis added.)
Based on how tree roots grow (much further from the trunk than the tree foliage drip-line, and in the first 8” or so of soil), professionally installed turf might inhibit root health. So how much it damages the tree overall could depend of what percent of the roots are covered.
Do you have bids on the installation? How far down do they dig, and what do they recommend as a root barrier layer? Are they willing to install it under your fruit trees? If your project moves forward, consider discussing it with a Certified arborist, who can make a site visit, looking at things like drainage, tree size, and what the site preparation will do based on your tree location.
Organic materials are an option for pet-friendly landscaping, described here. Often arborist chips are free. Also, online I found suggestions about fencing pet running areas away from lawns and gardens.
I’m not finding scientific research on how close to tree trunks the turf can be installed without hurting the tree. Mostly the advice from turf installers is to avoid trees. The Colorado page said “The carpet/topdressing combination does allow water to infiltrate underlying soil. There is no research to document effects on soil microbes, earthworms, or insects or to the health of landscape plants with roots growing under the carpet.” (My emphasis added.)
Based on how tree roots grow (much further from the trunk than the tree foliage drip-line, and in the first 8” or so of soil), professionally installed turf might inhibit root health. So how much it damages the tree overall could depend of what percent of the roots are covered.
Do you have bids on the installation? How far down do they dig, and what do they recommend as a root barrier layer? Are they willing to install it under your fruit trees? If your project moves forward, consider discussing it with a Certified arborist, who can make a site visit, looking at things like drainage, tree size, and what the site preparation will do based on your tree location.
Organic materials are an option for pet-friendly landscaping, described here. Often arborist chips are free. Also, online I found suggestions about fencing pet running areas away from lawns and gardens.
