I can't get grass to grow under a Pin Oak Tree?

Question

We have a Pin Oak tree in our front yard in a shady spot that I can not get grass to grow. Can you tell me what to do?

Answer 1

I am not sure where you are located. But, Winter Rye always grows in shade and heavy floods.

It will grow and stay green all year long. It is a miracle grass.

Hope I helped.

xoxoxo

Stace

Answer 2

Orchard Grass grows real well under Trees,and Apple Orchards are living proof!

Answer 3

I had the same problem, I have 3 large Pin Oak trees in my yard.  I bought shade grass at Homedepot it is doing good, it most likely will not match you other grass, but it will grow. It looks like Bermuda only darker.  I have  Fescue in my yard.

Good Luck

Answer 4

stop trying.  mulch to the drip line, and add some color beds

Answer 5

you should water your grass daily becuase trees take alot of water

Answer 6

Hi Nancy,

Looks like you have a couple of options...

1. You can thin the tree canopy to allow more light down to ground level.  Be careful, a bad tree haircut can last a long time, sometimes forever.  Tree trimming can be bit dangerous too - might think about getting professional help.

2. Steer into the skid - Consider a bed of shade-loving ground cover plants (an ivy maybe) under the tree.

3. Consider a different grass just for under your tree that is more adapted to shade.  What that grass would be depends on your climate.  For instance where I live lawns are mostly St Augustine or Bermuda.  Bermuda needs lots of sun, St A does great except under the shadiest trees too. All but the most manicured lawns here are usually a mix of both, each thriving where it is best suited.

As for what to plant - that will depend on your climate.  You are surely not the only one to have this problem so there are tried and true solutions out there. You might look for help finding a suitable shade grass at websites of your state's agricultural university or state agricultural extension service.  If you state doesn't have these, pick a neighboring state with a similar climate.  Of course there is always the option of seeking out a knowledgeable nursery employee - they will probably have several solutions tailored to your climate.

Whatever you decide, best of luck with it  ; )

Answer 7

Answer_cut the tree down. lol!!

Not really. just kidding. Grass is seldom successful in shade for two reasons.

1. shade, most prefer the sun.

2. Roots. The tree roots have thoroughly infiltrated the existing soil. The tree will out muscle the lawn 100 times over. And you can add soil or compost to the area, nut in moderation. too much is not good for the tree, and the tree will just invade the new soil soon anyways.

You can thin the tree to let in more light, but NEVER top the tree. Bad, Bad, Bad for the tree, and often Oaks don't recover. Have an arborist do it right.

Personally I recommend putting in beds with shade tolerant, drought resistant plantings, maybe Pachysandra as a ground cover. Must be drought tolerant, because as before the tree roots will invade the new soil.

If you are in the South, Rye, both annual and perennial will die in the heat.

A warm season grass called St Augustine does fairly well in shade. Warm season grasses also spread, which is a good thing.

In milder climates I think Blue and Red Fescues will live in shade.  But why fight it? It will be an ongoing battle. And the tree is tougher than you.

TopCatt