Growing Grass Under Pine Trees

Some grass does not thrive in acidic soil.

Not all plants prefer the same soil pH levels. Pine trees love growing in acidic and well-drained soil, but the type of grass you are planting might not survive in acidic soil. The soil where pine trees grow has a pH level between 4.5 to 6 (still depending on the species), whereas some grass prefers a neutral acid level.

Famous myth: “Pine needles make the soil acidic and, in turn, make the growing of grass under pine trees seem impossible.” Many articles state that grass growth is hindered by the soil acid level caused by pine needles. 

The truth: “Pine needles are acidic themselves, but it does not transfer the acid into the soil or to another material.” Researches and studies from Washington University and Oregon State University prove this fact. Stephen Legaree, a professional biologist and environmentalist, states that 

• Pine trees in the boreal forest are exposed to high precipitation and don’t get much sunlight.  
• Microorganisms or life under the tree or in the soil decomposes very slowly. Increased precipitation and slow decomposition cause the topsoil to be acidic. As the water goes beneath the lower parts of the soil slowly, it releases acidic elements so that the top organic material ends up being acidic.
• Using the fallen pine needles and putting them below the ground will not fasten the process and still will not transfer acid.

Beware of putting limes to neutralize acid levels in soil and see the grass under pine trees grow. Lime’s impact is true. You might be seeing your grass grow to, and later on, find out that your pine tree might be dying. So you might be asking now, “What can I do?”

Here are tips on how you can grow grass under your pine trees.

Plant grass that grows in acidic soil

If both the pine tree and the grass are not the problems, choose a grass that will grow with your pine tree. Consider planting a Zoysia or centipede grass. A Zoysia grass grows in soil with a pH level of 5.8 – 6.5, while a centipede grass thrives in a pH level between 5 – 6. You can also try a shade-tolerant plant such as St. Augustine grass.

Water more

Just because grasses are way shorter than trees do not mean that the grass under pine trees needs “less” water as both the pine tree and the grass needs water. Water more than usual, but don’t let your grass drown.

Knock off some branches

If your grass needs sunlight, trimming off a few branches might work. Prioritize cutting off wounded or abnormal branches. It is advisable not to cut more as you do not want your pine trees to go bald and not resist storms or wind. It is still better to inquire and ask for assistance from professional help.

Trim off a few tiny roots that go above the ground

You can remove just a small percent of the tiny roots that might compete with your grassroots. Do not aim for many small roots and large ones as we do not want to kill the tree and weaken its foundation.

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Use compost and starter fertilizer adequately

People who grow grass under pine trees in their area don’t forget to skip on this advice. If the tree and the grass are competing for nutrients, provide the grass nutrients by adding enough compost and fertilizer.

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Protect grass seeds from birds

Hide the grass seeds with a small layer of pot soil or topsoil. Don’t put in too much to ensure that the grass under pine trees will grow.

Rake the pine needles 

If you think that your pine needles’ layers shield the grass from the sun, rake it off and use it as a mulch for other plants.

Trees with evergreen foliage indeed go well with the grass below but carefully consider the tips given above to achieve a healthy yard.