Shallow tree roots and new grass

[jlbf0786]

For the past few years the roots from the Sugar Maple in our front yard have been getting in the way of germination of new seed after aerating/over-seeding each Fall.
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Fescue-JD Lesco transition blend
18-24-12 Starter Fertilizer
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I've put out over 2 yards of soil, core aerated and over-seed (heavily in the rooted areas under the tree)

Its been 15 or so days and i'm getting great germination all over the yard except in these problem areas under the tree canopy... What else can I do here?


If you have any suggestions please feel free to share.

-Thanks

[RigglePLC]

With a maple...I suspect shade is the real problem. Complicated by the drying effect (water theft) of the roots during dry spells. Check carefully: is there more grass where there is more sunlight--but the same amount of roots?

[Smallaxe]

Aerating under a Maple may not be the thing to do... too much water and too much fertilizer in the shade is certainly not the thing to do...

We have shade lawns, mostly... 85-90% shade lawns... we grow grass under maples, oaks and pines, even in areas the recieve dappled sunlight ONLY during the course of the season...

You may want to till the surface of the ground to set back the roots and allow the grass to dry between waterings, or add some compost/topsoil over the area and eastablish an eco-system for turf that competes with maple,,, or something else... it is not easy to comment w/out seeing what you are trying to do...

[jlbf0786]

The lack of sun is part of the problem, I will try pruning it up some and see if it improves the germination.
Pruning trees w/out the proper tools sucks, I guess that's why I've put it off for so long.

I've been wanting to buy an extended pruner for a while now and this is a good enough reason.

I appreciate the feedback, we'll see what happens after its pruned.

- Thanks

[jlbf0786]

Here's a pic I took yesterday, sorry about the quality.. My phones camera isn't the best.