Asked on May 14, 2014
What type of grass can be planted under shade trees
by
Sue
+2
The trees are oak and pine and the ground is limestone, I need grass that can help with erosion and not expensive
5 answers
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@ @Jessica My neighbor recently told me to try Scott's Shade and Sun and it works every time. It didn't for me, and I am still trying to get grass to grow in shade. Good luck Sue!
Carol C
on May 14, 2014
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Read the article provided by Jessica. They are absolutely correct. Grass does not do well in deep shade, even the shade/cool type varieties. Grass requires a pH of about 7-7.5. Normally the soil under trees is more acidic and a big tree will robs nutrients fairly easily. You could try to bring the pH up by applying pelletized lime. However, it takes about 6 months for lime to bring the pH up about 1/2 a degree and you also are running the risk of effecting your tree's growth. You might be better served to consider the Lowe's suggestions of various hardy perennials that like shade and would do well under your trees.
Catherine Smith
on May 15, 2014
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We got tired of trying to get grass to grow under trees as well as trying to mow over roots, so we put border grass around a large area on both sides of our yard and put in pine islands. Our second reason was having a place to rake our leave into! The leaves eventually become top soil! You can then put in all sorts of stuff. Right now I am in the process of putting in some hostas in one of mine, laving a large area still available for leaves. Believe me, you will spend a lot of money, time and hard work trying to keep grass in shade!
Jeanette S
on May 15, 2014
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Instead of grass try ajua - don't need to mow it.
Lorraine
on May 16, 2014
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I agree with Catherine -- even the shade varieties don't do very well for long. Most people create a raised bed around it and plant shade loving annuals instead and it works. Here in FL people put impatiens under the giant oaks. Now the impatiens are unavailable due to a scurge for the past few years but other flowers will work. Vincas until they get leggy and hostas up north. Depends on your zone mostly.
Leslie Long
on May 16, 2014
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