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Do trees suck water from lawns?

#1 · 10th June 2024, 10:31 am

We have a tiny London back garden with a lawn. Our rear neighbours have planted a privacy screen of trees, right up against the fence. At first we thought these were bushes, but in 2 years they have shot up into trees, either beech or hornbeam I think.

My question is, will these trees suck the water from our lawn? Due to extreme temperatures and little shade, we really struggle to grow a lawn, it’s often brown in summer, and very patchy. We try with reseeding, but now these trees have been planted, will they cause further problems? Getting mixed information when I search the internet. Are trees bad for lawns?

#2 · 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