How to protect mature trees when replacing lawn with water‑wise landscaping

Miles, an extension educator with Utah State University Extension, told a Utah Division of Water Resources webinar that homeowners can preserve mature trees while replacing lawn with water‑wise landscaping but must plan to protect roots, avoid soil compaction and provide appropriate supplemental water. “Trees also benefit us, and ... saving them while we’re taking out the lawn is a goal,” Miles said.

Why it matters: trees provide shade that lowers local temperatures, add measurable property value and deliver other neighborhood benefits that take decades to replace. Lawn‑removal projects commonly cause tree injury by direct mechanical damage, compacting soil and changing watering patterns; any of those can shorten a tree’s lifespan.

Most important guidance from the webinar: - Evaluate the tree first. Some problems (for example, iron chlorosis that causes yellowing leaves) are treatable; others (girdling roots or severe decline) may make replacement the pragmatic choice. Miles advised homeowners to check trees before and after landscape…