How do I grow under a maple tree?

When I was much younger and lived in Texas, with pine trees and live oaks that shaded the ground and most things wouldn't grow there, we used a couple of things. I loved Caladiums. They grew in shady places well, and with their big colorful leaves, it presented a pretty sight. We also used English Ivy. There was very little it wouldn't grow under. It is the light that is keeping thigs from growing, I would guess, so anything that grows in low light should work.

First, find a shade tolerant plants to plant under the tree.

Another suggestion I have would be to hire an arborist to do some pruning of the tree so more light will hit the turf and it will not thin out over time. Golf courses do this.. it can be good for the tree too, particularly if it has never been pruned before.

Try liriope, also known as lily turf. It's a shade-loving perennial, also produces grape hyacinth-like purple flowers when it feels like it. There are green and variegated varieties available, and it naturalizes well. Just be sure to keep it well-watered for a year after planting.