I have two big maple trees in my yard and I just can't grow grass I have tryed for years?

Question

I can't afford to have the trees cut down. Also my neighbor has 7 trees,so that's more shade.Thanks for your answers.

Answer 1

You're not alone with this problem.

Here is another 20 answers, all rolled up in 3 pages at google.

Answer 2

The reason grass won't grow is because the maple trees use more of the nutrients in the soil than the grass can use. The maple trees root much deeper and all of the nutrients are absorbed by the tree. The grass cannot grow becaue the bigger trees use more nutrients in the soil than are available to the grass.

You can try fertilizer for the grass but it will enrich the trees also. You can also try an inexpensive high nitrogen based fertilizer for the grass like manure.

Don't balk at the manure idea. It doesn't smell like human manure and the commercial varieties are sterile. But they are also high in nitrogen which is what grass needs to grow.

You didn't say if your grass, where it can grow is whiter or paler than it would be if you didn't have the trees there, but my guess is that nitrogen insufficiency is the cause of the grass not being able to grow.

Also, if your neighbor has 7 trees, it is very highly likely that his trees are using 7 times more nutrients from the soil as yours are. So he probably needs to fertilize his yard also.

Answer 3

I have big trees in my yard and all underneath the trees is just dirt and maybe a few hopeful blades of grass. I think it's because grass needs sunlight and the trees are providing shade, so it's more difficult for grass to grow. Don't cut the trees down, you will find that you like them more then just having boring ol' grass in your yard.

Answer 4

I have the same problem with a very large pine tree under which no grass will grow. I planted vinca under it several years ago and it likes the shade and grows wild under there now. It has little flowers that bloom most of the year and actually looks nicer than grass.

Answer 5

Scott's makes some really good grass seed for shaded areas. My sister has the same problem - lives in Richmond, and their streets are tree lined. Front yard looked like a desert!

It's a little work, but if you put in the effort you can have a nice lawn.

Answer 6

Have a horticultist come to your house.....or just keep on planting grass seeds, the bluegrass kind, and it should grow..Add more dirt around the roots . I would make a standing flowerbed around the tree, or even just make it a nice sitting area around the tree? A raised flower bed would be your best bet.

Answer 7

Most people grow up with the bible and think teaching it to children is saving them. I have read the bible and its just something I can't believe. I study Buddhism because I feel its better for my soul. I don't think people should push their beliefs on young child because its kinda brainwashing. No, I don't believe sewer faeries. The bible attacks people fears of the unknown, thats why its been around for so long. The messages are mixed but if someone can find soul lessons in it then more power to them.

Answer 8

There are a variety of ground-cover plants that thrive in low light. In the Northeast, mosses and ivies do very well. In the South (with little or no chance of frost) ferns and a plant we call "monkey grass" do very well. Talk to a nursery, but forget about grass ... go with a ground-cover shrub.

Answer 9

You will need a grass seed that is designed for shade. The soil could be acidic from the tree debris, so consider getting a sample tested; you may have to apply pelletized lime.

Answer 10

There are a number of grass types that grow well in shade. You don't tell us what part of the country you live in, or even if you are in the USA.

Answer 11

only thing you can do is have the trees removed. no direct sunlight , no grass. this is only my opinion, not based on any factual information. try drilling holes at the base of the trees
then fill them with salt. this may kill the trees. then find some who would remove them CHEAP.