Grass killer near spruce tree - Ask Extension
What grass killer is safe to use around spruce trees that will not harm them
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Grass killer near spruce tree #935832
Asked June 17, 2026, 11:04 AM EDT
What grass killer is safe to use around spruce trees that will not harm them
Livingston County Michigan
Expert Response
Good Afternoon,
Hand-Pulling and Mulching is the safest, chemical-free approach, hand-pull the grass while it is young and lay down a 2-to-3 inch layer of wood mulch (keeping the mulch a few inches away from direct contact with the trunk). We do not recommend a single "smart" weedkiller for spruce trees but rather suggest careful cultural control and targeted applications. For established trees, a directed application of glyphosate or a pre-emergent like oryzalin can be used. However, you must avoid contact with the tree's foliage and roots. See attached Alternatives to Glyphosate for Weed Control in Christmas Tree Production - Christmas Trees
Christmas trees 101: Weed management - Christmas Trees
Common Landscape Herbicides and Their Effects on Trees - DocsLib
Herbicide Use Around Landscape Trees | CSU Extension
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
Hand-Pulling and Mulching is the safest, chemical-free approach, hand-pull the grass while it is young and lay down a 2-to-3 inch layer of wood mulch (keeping the mulch a few inches away from direct contact with the trunk). We do not recommend a single "smart" weedkiller for spruce trees but rather suggest careful cultural control and targeted applications. For established trees, a directed application of glyphosate or a pre-emergent like oryzalin can be used. However, you must avoid contact with the tree's foliage and roots. See attached Alternatives to Glyphosate for Weed Control in Christmas Tree Production - Christmas Trees
Christmas trees 101: Weed management - Christmas Trees
Common Landscape Herbicides and Their Effects on Trees - DocsLib
Herbicide Use Around Landscape Trees | CSU Extension
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
