Neighbors complaining and called the H.O.A.!! What to do?

Question

I have an area in my front lawn (under a large oak tree) that is brown and very thin with grass. We got a warning from the home owners association last month. We had a landscaper come and try to do his magic. The grass is just starting to grow back in that spot, but very very slowly, and yesterday, we got another warning for it. What the h**l do I need to do to fill the spot and make it green overnight? LOL..They obviously think it can be done! I really prefer NOT to buy sod. And either way, with the large tree hovering above the spot, won't that prevent it from reaching it's full potential? I have no idea how to make it green and filled in. HELP!

Answer 1

Have you considered forgetting about the grass and throwing down a layer of rock or bark? You will need a border of some sort but this will make it look better and you won't have to mess with trying to grow grass where it gets limited light. Of course the area would have to include the trunk of the tree.

Answer 2

send them a letter explaining the problem area has been dealt with & include a copy of your landscapers bill with it

Answer 3

Check your HOA handbook and see if other plantings are acceptable for front yard plantings.  There are many plants that thrive in heavy shade, as under a tree, that are quite lovely.  Ferns, hostas, some flowers.  If plants other than grass are acceptable, go to a home improvement store or garden store and look to see what they have.  Get names of plants and ask the HOA if those are alright to grow in your front yard.

Answer 4

just landscape the area around the base of the tree that doesn't get a lot of sun.  There are many plants that can take part to deep shade which still look great and most grasses need a lot of sun even though they are labeled as part shade.

Answer 5

Very few grasses will grow under an oak tree.  I have a big sycamore tree and I have this same problem, but fortunately don't have a HOA to bug me about it.

If your HOA allows, hardscaping with boulders and monkey grass (liriope) is a good solution for under trees.  Monkey grass will tolerate poor soil and shade.

As another poster suggested, present your documentation showing you have taken steps to correct the problem.  The HOA might not realize you've done this.

Answer 6

Geez, these people obviously do not know anything about gardening under oaks. You cannot grow regular turf there, you have to adapt and figure out what grows best under oaks and not just anything will do well there. If you water too much, the tree will suffer. It's too shady and the turf will suffer...

Look at this link as it gives tips on gardening under oaks:

http://www.yerbabuenanursery.com/Plantin...

See if you want to try any of these. If not, just mulch and leave it bare. I would contact the HOA and tell them that you are trying to find something that will grow well under the oak. Explain that you have done research and that you don't want to damage the tree and are looking for something that will do well under it as turf will not. If they hassle you, you can always contact a good landscaper for advice and have them right a letter too or an arborist perhaps.

Good luck. HOA's can be sooooooo naive!!!

Answer 7

tell them that under large trees where it shaded grass always struggles to grow because of the shade, i would ask if they would be happy if you put bark down to cover the area