Ever walked barefoot in the grass and suddenly felt like you were stepping on little landmines? 

Yep, those spiky balls are no fun! These little troublemakers – often more painful than you’d like to admit – are a common problem for many homeowners.

The good news is that they’re actually pretty easy to get rid of once you know what they are.

In this post, I’ll shed some light on what those spiky balls in grass really are and, most importantly, how to get rid of them.

What Are Those Spiky Balls In Grass?

The spiky balls in your grass are called burrs.

They are seed pods that come from certain types of weeds.

Burrs are made to latch onto animals, shoes, or clothes, which helps the seeds spread. They’re not dangerous, but they sure hurt to step on, can mess up lawn equipment, and even take nutrients away from your grass.

There are three common weeds that make these spiky balls in the US. These are:

• Grass Burrs
• Lawn Burweed
• Burr Medic

Let’s take a quick look at each of these:

Also Read: Too Much Lime On Lawn

Grass Burrs (Cenchrus Echinatus)

These are the most common spiky balls in grass.

You’ve probably heard of these as “sandburs.” They love sandy or dry soil, especially in warmer places.They have thin, sprawling stems and spiky seed heads that start out green and turn brown as they mature.

Each burr holds a bunch of seeds inside a hard, thorny shell. 

Grass Burrs are tricky because their seeds can stay dormant for years in the soil, making them a recurring issue, especially in lawns with bad soil or inconsistent watering.

Lawn Burweed (Soliva Sessilis)

Also known as “spurweed,” this weed is a pain in early spring. 

It stays low to the ground, spreading out into dense mats with tiny fern-like leaves and flowers. Those flowers eventually turn into sharp burrs that you’ll definitely feel if you step on them. 

Burweed loves compacted soil and thrives in lawns that get too much water or are shaded. 

The burrs are hidden under the leaves, so most people don’t even realize it’s there until the burrs are already forming.

Burr Medic (Medicago Polymorpha)

Burr Medic, or “burr clover,” is a broadleaf weed with small yellow flowers and leaves that grow in threes. Its spiky seed pods coil up like tiny pine cones and latch onto anything that brushes against them, spreading the seeds. 

You’ll usually find it in disturbed soils, like newly seeded lawns or areas with patchy grass. 

While it can add some nitrogen to the soil, the burrs it leaves behind make it a bit of a nuisance in most lawns.

Also Read: Will gas kill grass?

How To Get Rid Of Spiky Balls In Grass

Now that you know what those spiky little balls are, let’s talk about how to deal with them.

Don’t worry, getting rid of these pesky burrs is not that complicated. Here are a few simple tips you can follow to reclaim your lawn:

#1 Mow Regularly

Mowing regularly is one of the simplest ways to control burr-producing weeds. 

These weeds thrive in unkempt, patchy lawns where they can grow without competition. Keeping your grass cut short stops them from maturing and producing those painful burrs. 

However, don’t mow too aggressively – cutting your grass too short can weaken it, making it easier for weeds to invade. 

A good rule of thumb is to mow at the recommended height for your grass type, keeping it strong enough to outcompete weeds.

Also, make sure to keep your mower blades sharp.

#2 Use Pre-Emergent Herbicides

If you’re serious about getting ahead of the problem, pre-emergent herbicides are your friend. 

These products work by preventing the seeds of weeds from sprouting in the first place.

You’ll want to apply them in early spring, before those burr seeds have a chance to take root. 

Timing is everything—if you apply them too late, the seeds will already have sprouted, and you’ll need a different approach.

So check your local weather or soil temperature (55°F) to get it just right. This will give you a better shot at keeping your lawn burr-free.

Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully, as overuse can harm your lawn.

Remember – pre-emergents don’t kill existing weeds, and only stop new ones from growing.

#3 Spot Treat With Post-Emergent Herbicides

If the burrs are already growing in your yard, you’ll need a post-emergent herbicide to kill them. 

These are designed to target and kill weeds that have already sprouted and are growing. 

For broadleaf weeds like Burr Medic, products containing 2,4-D or dicamba are often effective. For Grass Burrs, herbicides with quinclorac usually work well.

Also Read: Will Cayenne Pepper Kill Grass?

You can apply them directly to the areas where the burrs are making an appearance.

Be sure to read the label carefully before you spray, because not all herbicides are safe for every type of grass. Some can damage your lawn if used incorrectly. Also, make sure to follow the instructions on the label—too much of a good thing can harm your grass.

#4 Manually Remove Small Patches

If you’ve only got a few small patches of burrs here and there, it might be easier to just pull them out by hand. 

This can be a little time-consuming, but it’s a good option if you’re dealing with a limited area. 

Just grab a good pair of gloves, pull out the weeds by hand, and toss them in the trash. Don’t leave them in your compost pile, or they might just spread again next season. 

Make sure to grab the whole plant too, roots and all.

Try to pull the weeds when they’re young and still easy to remove. If you wait too long and they’ve already gone to seed, you’re just giving those spiky balls more chances to spread.

#5 Improve Lawn Health

One of the most effective ways to stop burrs is by improving the overall health of your lawn. 

A lush, thick lawn can crowd out weeds and make it harder for those spiky burrs to grow. 

Start by making sure your lawn gets enough water, but not too much. Also Fertilize your lawn based on soil test results to make sure it gets all the nutrients it needs. And be sure to reseed your lawn if there are any bare spots.

A well-fed lawn is a strong lawn, and strong grass is better at fighting off weeds. 

Aeration can also help by allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots more easily, you’ll have a healthier, happier lawn that’s harder for burrs to invade.

Bottom Line

Those spiky balls in grass are no joke, but with a little effort, you can get rid of them for good. 

It all starts with regular lawn care: mow, fertilize, and water your grass, and use pre- and post-emergent herbicides when necessary. 

So, take action, and say goodbye to the pain of stepping on spiky balls once and for all. 

We’ve all had a moment where we’re messing around with our lawnmower or maybe topping off the weed eater, and whoops – gas spills on grass.

Now you’re staring at the spot, wondering, “Is this bad? Did I just kill my grass?”

Unfortunately, the answer is yes, gas can kill grass. It can burn the blades, seep into the soil, and leave behind some ugly dead patches.

In this post, I’ll explain how gas kills grass, and what can you do to minimize the impact. 

I’ll also show you how to recover if the gas does end up killing your grass.

Can Gas Kill Grass?

Yes, gas can kill grass, and it doesn’t take much to do some serious damage.

Gasoline is full of harsh chemicals like hydrocarbons and additives that are toxic to plant life. When spilled on grass, it immediately begins to break down cell structures and causes the blades to dry out and turn yellow or brown.

But the real danger is what happens beneath the surface.

Also Read: Will Lime Kill New Grass Seed?

If the gas seeps into the soil, it creates a toxic environment that suffocates roots, and prevents them from taking in water and nutrients.

Plus, it can also break down beneficial microorganisms in the soil that help your grass grow. Without those microbes, the soil becomes less fertile.

The longer gas sits in the ground, the harder it is for grass to recover.

If it’s a small spill the grass might struggle but eventually recover, but a bigger one can leave behind dead patches that won’t grow back unless you clean up the contaminated soil and reseed or re-sod the area.

What To Do If You Spill Gas On Grass

If you do end up spilling gas on grass, you need to act quickly to minimize the damage. Here are some steps to help you get your lawn back on track:

#1 Absorb The Spill

First things first, you need to absorb the gasoline. 

The longer it sits there, the more it can seep into the soil and do damage. 

You can use a variety of materials to soak up the gas, such as cat litter, sand, or even sawdust. 

Spread a generous amount over the spill, and let it sit for a while. It’ll help soak up the liquid, and make it easier to clean up.

#2 Dispose Properly

Once you’ve absorbed the gasoline, you can’t just toss the materials in your regular trash. 

Gasoline-soaked items are considered hazardous waste, so they need to be disposed of properly. Check with your local waste management facility for the right way to dispose of it in your area.

Some places might even have special disposal sites for hazardous materials.

Also Read: Can I Put River Rocks Around Trees?

#3 Water The Area

After you’ve cleaned up the spill, give the area a good watering. 

You want to dilute any remaining gasoline in the soil and help wash it away. 

Be sure to water deeply, so the gasoline doesn’t just move around on the surface—it needs to go down into the ground and away from the roots. 

Keep an eye on the area for a few days to make sure the grass starts bouncing back.

#4 Allow Time To Air Out

Gasoline has a strong odor, and that smell can stick around for a while. Letting the area air out is a good idea, so give it some time. 

If you’re able to, avoid walking on the grass until it starts to recover. 

Just let the soil breathe, and give your lawn time to work through the fumes.

How To Repair Lawn Damage From Gasoline

If the damage is already done and you’ve got dead spots on your lawn, don’t stress. You can still fix it! It’s going to take a little bit of effort, but it’s definitely doable.

Assess The Damage

First, take a good look at the area. 

Some spots might just be a little discolored, and other spots might be completely dead. 

If it’s a small area, you might not need to do much at all. But if the damage is more widespread, you’ll have to take a few extra steps.

Remove Dead Grass

Once you’ve figured out where the damage is, you can start cleaning things up. 

Remove any dead grass from the area. You can pull it up by hand or use a rake to get rid of it. 

If the gas spill was large, the grass might be beyond repair, so you’ll need to clear it away before you do anything else.

Also Read: Will Cayenne Pepper Kill Grass?

Aerate The Soil

Next, it’s time to aerate the soil. This helps loosen up compacted soil and gives the new grass seeds a better chance to take root. 

You can use a manual aerator or rent a power aerator if you have a larger lawn. 

Aerating is especially important if gasoline has really affected the soil because it helps reintroduce oxygen into the ground, which the grass desperately needs.

Reseed The Area

Now comes the fun part – reseeding! 

You’ll want to choose a grass seed that matches your lawn’s existing grass. If you don’t know exactly what kind of grass you have, go with a general-purpose seed for your region. 

Spread the seeds evenly over the area, making sure they’re in good contact with the soil. 

If you’ve a larger area, you might want to rent a broadcast spreader to make the job easier.

Water Properly And Fertilize

Once your seeds are down, water the area well. 

Keep the soil moist, but not soaked. Too much water can drown the seeds, and too little can cause them to dry out. It’s a balance. 

After a few weeks, once you start seeing some green growth, you can begin to cut back on the watering.

Fertilizing can also help speed up recovery. Use a fertilizer that’s appropriate for your type of grass. Look for one with a good balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium – this will give your grass the nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy. 

Don’t overdo it, though. Too much fertilizer can actually harm the grass.

Wrapping Up

Spilling gasoline on your lawn isn’t the end of the world, but it can cause some serious damage. 

Gasoline can kill grass by messing with the soil, harming the grass roots, and disrupting the natural growth process. 

If you do spill gas, just follow the steps to clean it up, and you’ll minimize the impact. However, if the damage is done and you need to repair your lawn, it’ll take a little patience, but you can definitely bring it back to life. 

With some care and attention, your lawn will bounce back in no time.

In the end, accidents happen. The best thing you can do is stay calm, take action, and give your lawn the TLC it needs to recover.

Tree Roots in Pipes & the Danger of Root Intrustion

Most people expect to deal with things like dripping faucets or the occasional clog. But what a lot of homeowners don’t realize is that one of the biggest threats to their plumbing is actually growing right in their yard—tree roots.

Yep, roots from nearby trees and shrubs can work their way into underground pipes, especially if those pipes are older or already have tiny cracks. And once roots get inside, things can go south fast.

Why Roots Go After Pipes

Roots look for water. Sewer lines and drain pipes are full of moisture and nutrients, so even the smallest leak or vapor trail can draw them in. Clay, cast iron, and concrete pipes tend to develop small cracks as they age, which makes them even easier to break into.

PVC pipes are a bit better, but if a joint isn’t sealed just right or the soil has shifted, roots can still find a way.

How They Get In

• Cracks from age or shifting soil
• Loose or misaligned joints
• Completely broken or collapsed sections
• Open pipe ends or abandoned cleanouts

Once inside, roots keep growing. They can stretch along the pipe, clogging things up as they go. It usually starts small, and then one day your toilet won’t flush and it’s a whole mess.

Things You Might Notice

• Toilets and sinks draining slow
• Weird gurgling noises when water goes down
• Backups, especially in the basement or lowest drain
• Smells you can’t explain, kind of like sewage
• Patches of grass in your yard that are way greener than the rest
• Wet spots or even a little sinkhole near the foundation

What Happens If You Ignore It

Blockages are a big one. Roots trap hair, grease, and debris until nothing can get through. Then you get a full-on backup into your house. Not fun.

Roots also cause pipes to crack or collapse. Replacing a sewer line is not cheap, and if it’s under a driveway or sidewalk, expect to deal with that too.

Leaks can lead to mold, water damage, or even mess with your foundation. And if sewage backs up into the house, you’re looking at some nasty cleanup and possible health problems.

Oh, and don’t forget the water bill. A slow leak underground might not be obvious right away, but your bill will start creeping up.

How to Stop Roots Before They Start

1. Know What’s Underground

Before planting anything, find out where your sewer lines are. You can call 811 and they’ll mark everything for free. Trees like willows, maples, and poplars are the worst offenders, so keep them far from your plumbing. Pick smaller, slower-growing trees instead.

2. Get a Camera Inspection

If your house is more than 20 years old, or you’ve had weird plumbing issues before, it’s probably worth getting a plumber to run a camera down the line. They can spot roots early before they wreck everything.

3. Install a Root Barrier

It’s exactly what it sounds like. A metal or plastic sheet goes in the ground between your trees and your pipes. It keeps roots from getting too close. You can also try chemical barriers, which slow root growth near your lines.

4. Use a Foaming Root Killer

You can flush a foaming root treatment down the toilet once or twice a year. It’ll coat the inside of the pipe and stop roots from taking over. Not a miracle fix, but it helps.

5. Replace Old Pipes

Clay and cast iron are just asking for trouble. If you’ve already had root problems, upgrading to PVC or doing a trenchless pipe repair might be worth it. Less digging, less mess.

6. Be Smart About What You Flush

Don’t give roots extra ammo. Avoid flushing wipes (even the “flushable” ones), paper towels, or anything stringy. They all get caught in roots and make blockages worse.

If the Roots Are Already In

Once roots are inside the pipe, it’s a job for the pros. They might use hydro jetting to blast the roots out with high-pressure water or send in a mechanical cutter. In bad cases, they’ll reline or replace the pipe completely.

This isn’t something you want to mess around with. Trust me—waiting too long just makes the repair more expensive. My go-to when I need help is H20Pro.

They’ve seen it all and know how to fix it without turning your yard into a crater. Whether it’s a small repair or a full piping replacement, they do solid work.

Final Notes

This kind of thing sneaks up on you. One minute your drains are working fine, and then boom—you’ve got sewage in the basement. Don’t wait until it’s a crisis. Take a few steps now, keep an eye out for signs, and bring in a pro if anything seems off.

It’s one of those things most people don’t think about until it’s too late. Don’t be that guy.

If you’re looking for a natural way to keep pests away from your lawn, you might have heard that cayenne pepper can do the trick. 

But is it really safe for your grass, or could it cause more harm than good? 

In this post, I’ll go over everything you need to know about using cayenne pepper on your lawn—from how it works to how to apply it properly, plus a few precautions to keep in mind.

Can Cayenne Pepper Kill Grass?

No, cayenne pepper won’t kill your grass.

The pepper contains something called capsaicin, which makes it hot and spicy. This natural compound is great at keeping pests away, but it’s not strong enough to hurt your grass or soil. 

In fact, cayenne pepper can actually be good for your lawn – it can add some nice nutrients to your soil when you use it properly.

I’ve heard from many gardeners who use it successfully to keep away small animals and bugs that would normally eat their grass and plants.

That said, don’t go overboard! Using too much cayenne pepper can stress out your lawn.

If you use a ton of it (especially if it’s concentrated) it might scorch the grass or even hinder its growth.

Also Read: Do Pine Needles Kill Grass?

How To Apply Cayenne Pepper To Lawn

Don’t feel overwhelmed about using cayenne pepper on your grass – it’s pretty straightforward. I’ll tell you exactly what to do to get good results.

You’ve got two options: you can either spray it as a liquid or spread it as a powder. 

Both work well, so you can pick whichever feels easier for you.

Things You Need

First things first, let’s gather our supplies. You’ll need:

• Ground cayenne pepper (powdered, not whole peppers)
• Water
• A spoon or measuring cup for mixing
• Spray bottle or garden sprayer (depending on the size of your lawn)
• Dish soap (to help the pepper stick to your grass)

#1 Mix The Cayenne Pepper Solution

Grab a mixing bowl or bucket. Pour in 1 quart of water – that’s about 4 cups. Now, add 2-3 tablespoons of ground cayenne pepper.

If you’re making a bigger batch, you can scale up the amounts—just keep the ratio the same.

If you want it to stick better, toss in 1-2 teaspoons of regular dish soap. This acts as a surfactant, helping the mixture cling to grass blades and pests.

Give it a good stir until everything is dissolved.

If you prefer a dry application, you can skip the mixing. Just have your ground cayenne pepper ready to go. This method is quicker but might not spread as evenly as the liquid version.

Also Read: Will Lime Kill New Grass Seed?

#2 Spray The Solution

Time to apply that peppery concoction! 

If you went for the liquid mix, carefully pour it into your spray bottle or garden sprayer. Make sure it’s clean and free of any other chemicals. 

Now, head out to your lawn. Start spraying lightly over the areas you want to protect. Focus on spots where you’ve seen pests or around the edges of your lawn where critters might enter.

Don’t saturate the grass – a light misting is all you need. 

Pay attention to areas under bushes, near garden beds, or any pest hotspots you’ve noticed. 

Remember, you’re not trying to drench the lawn, just leave a light coating of the spicy deterrent.

#3 Dry Application (Optional)

If you’re going the dry route, it’s sprinkle time! 

Take your container of ground cayenne pepper and start walking around your lawn. Use your fingers to lightly sprinkle the pepper over the grass. 

Try to maintain an even distribution, and focus on the problem areas, just like with the spraying.

But here’s a pro tip: pick a calm day for this. Cayenne pepper is super light, and even a gentle breeze can send it flying – right into your face if you’re not careful. 

If it’s a bit breezy, consider wearing a dust mask to avoid any spicy sneezes!

Also Read: Is It Too Late To Treat For Grubs?

#4 Repeat When Needed

Ok you’ve peppered your lawn, but the job’s not done yet.

Cayenne pepper is effective, but it’s not a one-and-done solution. Rain, sprinklers, and even heavy dew can wash away your peppery protection.

As a general rule, plan to reapply every 3-4 weeks.

However, keep an eye on your lawn. If you start noticing pest activity picking up again, that’s your cue to break out the cayenne.

After a heavy rainstorm, you might want to reapply sooner. Or if you know a rainstorm is coming, try to apply your cayenne pepper treatment a day or two before. 

This gives it time to work its magic before getting washed away.

Some Precautions When Using Cayenne Pepper On Grass

Now, cayenne pepper is pretty safe for your lawn, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Wear gloves to protect your skin. You don’t want to deal with the burn from the pepper on your hands.
• Avoid inhaling the powder. It can be a little harsh on your nose and throat.
• Don’t use too much cayenne pepper. It might attract unwanted animals, and if you go overboard, it could harm your grass.
• Let your neighbors know what you’re doing, especially if they have pets. The last thing you want is a curious dog walking through your cayenne-covered lawn.

And always keep an eye on how well it’s working. 

If pests are still causing trouble, you might need to adjust how much cayenne pepper you’re using or think about trying something else.

Bottom Line

Cayenne pepper is a safe, natural way to control pests without killing your grass – as long as you use it right. It’s pretty good at keeping various pests and animals from messing up your lawn. 

Just follow the steps we talked about, be careful, and your lawn should be just fine. 

Remember, don’t go crazy with it, and it’s always a good idea to test it out on a small area first before you pepper your whole lawn.

FAQs

Cayenne Pepper For Animal Repellent?

Yes, cayenne pepper can work as a natural animal repellent! The spicy scent keeps animals like squirrels, rabbits, and deer away from your lawn or garden.

Will Cayenne Pepper Hurt Dogs?

Cayenne pepper isn’t toxic to dogs in small amounts, but it can irritate their eyes, nose, and throat if they get too close. Just be careful to use it where your dog can’t get to it.

Will Cayenne Pepper Keep Cats Away?

Yes, cayenne pepper can help keep cats away. Cats hate the smell or the spice, so it’s a good natural way to keep them out of your yard.

So, you’re thinking about sprucing up the area around your tree with some river rocks, right? 

They do look pretty—nice, smooth stones that can make your yard look super nice. 

But before you start hauling rocks, you might want to take a second to think about how they could impact your tree’s health. River rocks might seem like a low-maintenance landscaping win, they can actually cause a lot of problems for your tree over time.

In this post, I’ll go over everything you need to know about putting river rocks around trees.

Is It Ok To Put River Rocks Around Trees?

The short answer is NO. You should NOT put river rocks around trees.

River rocks might seem like a good choice because they’re pretty and low-maintenance, but they can actually harm your tree over time. 

Trees need the right conditions to thrive—good soil, proper moisture, and airflow to their roots. River rocks might look nice, but they can disrupt these conditions.

Also Read: Too Much Lime On Lawn

Why You Should Not Put River Rocks Around Trees

Let’s go over the main reasons why you might want to think twice before putting river rocks around your trees. Each of these can really impact how well your trees grow and stay healthy:

#1 River Rocks Can Increase The Soil Temperature

One of the biggest problems with placing river rocks around trees is that they can mess with the soil temperature. 

Rocks absorb heat from the sun and retain it for a long time. This is especially true during hot summer days. The heat can transfer down into the soil, creating an environment that’s too hot for the tree’s roots.

Tree roots prefer a more stable temperature, especially in summer. When the ground gets too hot, it can stress the tree and stunt its growth. 

In the winter, rocks can also keep the soil too warm, preventing it from freezing when it naturally should. So, putting river rocks around trees can mess with that natural temperature balance.

Also Read: Do Pine Needles Kill Grass?

#2 They Don’t Hold Moisture Well

Trees need water to stay healthy, but river rocks aren’t great at keeping moisture in the soil. 

When it rains or when you water your trees, the water tends to flow right over the rocks instead of getting into the soil where it needs to go. This makes it harder to keep the right amount of moisture in the soil for your trees. 

The smooth river rocks actually make water run off instead of soaking in.

During dry spells, you’ll probably need to water more often because the soil under the rocks dries out faster than soil that’s exposed or covered with natural mulch.

This becomes a real problem during growing seasons when trees need steady access to water.

#3 Prevents Proper Aeration And Drainage

Tree roots need air to stay healthy, but river rocks create a barrier that keeps air from getting into the soil. 

The rocks can also make it harder for water to drain properly, which might lead to water pooling around the roots. Over time, this can cause the roots to rot. 

The weight of all those rocks can also pack down the soil, making it even harder for air to get in and for roots to spread out naturally.

The reduced air circulation also affects the helpful microorganisms in the soil.

#4 They Can Look A Bit Fake

River rocks can make your garden look somewhat artificial.

Even though they look neat and tidy, they often don’t fit in naturally with the rest of your yard.

Gardens usually look better when everything works together naturally rather than having elements that stand out too much.

When all the rocks are the same size and color, they can look pretty different from the natural shapes and textures in your garden.

This becomes more noticeable as your garden grows and changes, and might make your landscaping look outdated compared to the rest of your naturally evolving yard.

Also Read: Will cayenne pepper kill grass

#5 Hard To Maintain

We all love a low-maintenance landscape, right? 

But, unfortunately, river rocks aren’t as maintenance-free as they seem. Over time, dirt and debris can get trapped between the rocks. 

Weeds might start growing too, and the rocks will need to be cleaned or rearranged regularly. Plus, as the tree grows, the rocks might start crowding the base and damaging the tree’s bark. 

If you’re hoping for a super easy setup, rocks might not be the way to go.

What Can I Put Around Trees Instead Of River Rocks?

Luckily, there are better options for decorating the area around your trees! You can use materials that will protect your tree, look nice, and require less upkeep. 

Here are a couple of alternatives to river rocks that your tree will appreciate:

Organic Mulch

Organic mulch (like wood chips or shredded bark) is one of the best things you can put around trees.

It helps to maintain a cool soil temperature, retains moisture, and allows air to circulate to the roots. Mulch also breaks down over time, enriching the soil with nutrients. 

Plus, it’s easy to replenish as needed.

Here are some benefits of mulch:

• It retains moisture better than rocks.
• It decomposes naturally and adds nutrients to the soil.
• It looks more natural and blends well with garden plants.

Just make sure you don’t pile it up too high against the tree trunk, as this can cause rot. Spread it out evenly around the base, keeping a little space from the trunk to allow the tree to breathe.

Gravel

If you really like how stones look, gravel works better than river rocks.

It’s a bit more natural looking than river rocks, and it provides good drainage, which is super important for tree health. Gravel won’t trap moisture in the way rocks do, and it lets water seep down to the roots without holding onto it too much too. 

Plus, it’s easier to maintain than river rocks since it doesn’t tend to trap as much debris. 

It can give your garden a more rustic or Mediterranean feel, depending on the style you like.

However, just like river rocks, gravel can still get a bit messy, so you’ll want to keep an eye on it. Weeds can grow through gravel too, but it’s not as bad as with rocks.

Wrapping Up

If you love the look of river rocks, it’s totally understandable. They’re attractive, low-maintenance, and add a nice touch to your landscaping. 

But  putting river rocks around trees may not be the best choice. 

Rocks can cause all sorts of problems, from raising soil temperatures to blocking proper moisture and airflow. Over time, this can lead to unhealthy trees.

Luckily, some of the options we talked about are just as nice (if not nicer!).

FAQs

Will Rocks Around A Tree Kill It?

Rocks themselves won’t directly kill a tree, but over time, they can cause enough stress that the tree’s health could decline. If the roots suffer from poor aeration, lack of moisture, or extreme temperatures, the tree may become unhealthy or even die. 

It’s best to avoid rocks and go for materials that help, not hinder, the tree.

Large Rocks Around Trees

Large rocks are even more problematic because they’re harder to move and adjust. They’re also more likely to compact the soil or damage the roots as the tree grows. 

Stick with something softer and more flexible, like mulch or gravel. Your tree will thank you!