Can I rototill over roots?

Question

I have a cottonwood thats root system has become a little unruly. Meanwhile, my dogs have completely killed the area of grass around the base/roots of the tree. I would like to replace the grass, can I do this by aerating to plant new grass seed, as I'm afraid rototilling it will kill the tree. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

Since grass does not need much depth for planting, even with peat moss or planting soil worked into the area, you will not go deep enough to do any harm if you stay at about 6 inches.  It might even be beneficial to the tree with the added aeration.