09-05-2025
Growing Things: Is it worth it trying to grow grass under a spruce tree?
Article content
I tell anyone who asks that my best advice is to stop wasting time and money in trying to grow a lawn in a spot where it will simply not grow well. Laying down a decorative mulch is the best way to handle this problem area.
Q: I have 2 Royal Beauty trees in my yard. The branches are trailing along the ground some by as much as 2 feet. Should I prune them back? If so, is there a right or wrong way to do it?
A: I assume we are talking about the Royal Beauty weeping crabapple. Weeping crabs were not supposed to require pruning but I have seen many examples of them growing down to and even along the ground such as yours are. Pruning would be the same as if the tree was upright. Prune in the early spring before the buds have opened. Make the pruning cut just in front of a healthy bud.
Every week, Growing Things Outdoors runs online at or, if you prefer an epaper format,
