Help with my backyard.

Doe
by Doe

I have two neighbors in between who do not care about their yards so my grass has tons of Pineneedles in it and it’s hard to keep decent grass. My grass is every different type of grass I have two pups. I’m trying to figure out what to do to this area. Any suggestions? I live in Ohio

  14 answers
  • Nan W. Nan W. on Jul 22, 2020

    Doe: I put down nice gravel in my yard. My dog does not seem to mind!

  • Em Em on Jul 22, 2020


    Many of the plants that can tolerate he acid soil can also be toxic. If you have dogs that chew or puppies be very careful.

    Hostas and ferns can handle acid soil from the pine needles

    The rhododendron is an evergreen shrub that thrives in shady conditions and acidic soil.

    Mountain laurel, the state flower of Pennsylvania and Connecticut, is an evergreen shrub known for clusters of star-shaped blooms in pink, red or white. It thrives in rocky or wooded areas.

    The holly bush and the leaves of the mountain laurel and all parts of the rhododendron and azalea are toxic as well, according to TheFlowerExpert.com.

    Ground covers can beautify a section of lawn in heavily shaded areas where grass simply cannot thrive. Examples include wintergreen and heath, both low-growing, evergreen plants, according to GardenListings.com. Wintergreen produces bright red autumn berries, while heath features red or white spring flowers.

    Other plant options for slightly acidic soil include columbine, foxglove, Virginia bluebells, lily-of the-valley, pachysandra, trillium and periwinkle. Check all plants for toxins and which like acid. Easy to find online.


    A raised bed simple made of landscaping timbers and filled with soil can create a nice garden for the above plants all along the fence line. Just lay flat and fill. Add a bench and a bird bath.

  • 17335038 17335038 on Jul 22, 2020

    Even if the neighbours cared for their yards, if you live where there are large or many pine trees, trying to grow and maintain a lush green lawn is an expensive losing battle.


    For a low maintenance yard I would recommend having more hard surfaces, such as pavers, rocks, and pea gravel. You will pay once to have the rock delivered/installed, but after that there should be little or no expense to keep the yard looking the same.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Jul 22, 2020

    Throw down some mulch or gravel and set out plants in pots, water feature, and other things like a bird bath or gazing ball.

  • Annie Annie on Jul 23, 2020

    To keep a nice looking lawn can be a challenge, especially if toy have pets. Perhaps moving to a maintenance free rock or grave ground with a small patch of grass for your pets.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Jul 23, 2020

    Hello. I have found in the past that my dogs urine has done a number on my grassy areas. I have trained them over the last 18 years to pee in a mulched area and that really has caused my turf success. You may wish to consider this option

  • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Jul 23, 2020

    You do need some grass for the puppies, but I would eliminate as much grass as possible. The only reason that I have grass is because of the dog.

  • Janice Janice on Jul 23, 2020

    A great lawn in the environment you're working within is nearly impossible. Perhaps it would be best to put your energy into removing the sketchy grass and installing landscape fabric, rocks, pea gravel and then adding some potted plants to make the area pleasant.

  • Lauren of Mom Home Guide Lauren of Mom Home Guide on Jul 23, 2020

    If you’d like to keep the grass, perhaps you could regularly rake up the pine needles or use a leaf blower to remove them. Then it would be easier to maintain your lawn.

  • I would just set aside some time each week to clean up the pine needles and tidy up the space in your yard. It is really hard to control what the neighbors next to you do, sadly. :(

  • Sharon Sharon on Jul 24, 2020

    I don't see the pine needles but rather the tufts of grass.... I would first put down some Scotts Weed n Feed. Then if the pine trees make the area shady, talk to the guy at the hardware store about a good species of grass seed that the acidic needles won't kill. If its so shady that moss is growing, put down Moss Out in the spring, and rake out the dead moss a week later.

    I have all pine and fir trees in the front, and I only rake it 2x a year, but I have grass.

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Jul 25, 2020

    There is a special grass that is not being affected by dogs going to the bathroom . I would try this kind of grass in one are before going to changed entire space