Quote from Lee Garden Ninja on 15th June 2024, 1:06 pm

Hi @mdxn

Good question. The quick answer is yes the wrong trees, especially tall unsuitable ones for residential spaces like Conifers will dry out your lawn if planted to close and surrounding borders.

However, if these are peached trees like Hornbeam, I doubt they are the cause of the garden suddenly drying up, as they won't be as thirsty as really large trees. They have been grafted and coppiced to be much smaller, less demanding trees. I've used these in many urban gardens without causing any issues for neighbours' lawns or borders.

If you've already struggled to grow a lawn, the issue is probably caused by the existing conditions, not these trees.

If you have a really hot exposed garden, it may be better to start planning to incorporate some shade, both to help the lawn and also to allow you to use the garden more. It would also be worthwhile digging a few holes around the garden to check the soil type and get more information on why your lawn is struggling. Like I said I doubt its the trees, it maybe really poor soil on your side. If so, it's a case of lifting the lawn, adding a better base and relaying, or consider designing without a lawn and going for something else and choosing drought-tolerant plants like the ones here.

Happy gardening

Lee