Pines are one of the most popular trees to plant because they are so aesthetically pleasing–they look nice and keep your property looking tidy. If you live in an area with sandy soil that is low in nutrients, you will probably want to plant something that can help give your tree better nutrients. One of the best things to plant around pine trees is grass because it provides a strong root system for the tree. This post will provide steps on how to plant grass under pine trees by outlining some important considerations, and what types of plants would work best.
How to Plant Grass Under Pine Trees
CHECK FOR OBSTRUCTIONS, SUCH AS ROCKS OR STONES IN THE GROUND
Level out any large obstructions by pouring dirt over them until level with the ground. If there are no big rocks or stones, skip this step and start with Step 2 below.
REMOVE PINE CONES AND LIVE PINES.
Pines like to drop cones on the ground, and it’s best to avoid having dirt that has pine cones in it. Use a rake or any other implement with a large metal head, then pick up all of the pine cones on the ground with your rake while they are still small. That can take some time, so be prepared for this step if you’re planting grass under pine trees!
DIG LARGE HOLES WITH A SHOVEL
For each hole, you’ll want to dig it out to a depth of two inches. If your shovel doesn’t have an edge on it, you can use a rock or anything else to help make the edges sharp.
FILL THE HOLES WITH DIRT.
Use a shovel or rake and fill the holes with dirt so that when you plant grass under pine trees, they will still be level. That means that as long as there are no rocks or large boulders underneath the holes, they should be level after planting grass under pine trees. After planting grass under pine trees, if you see any rocks in them, clean them out again and then continue with the step below.
INCREASE THE SOIL PH
Pine trees thrive in well-drained and acidic soil(4.0 to 5.0), but the kind of grass you might prefer to plant may not survive in acidic soil. It is recommended to apply a lime solution to help in neutralizing the area you dig. Ensure the optimal pH level of the soil ranges between 5.5 to 6.6 so that your grasses can grow well.
ADD SAND FOR DRAINAGE
If you include sand, you’ll want to add it where the holes are filled, filling the bottom of the hole with it. Use a shovel or any other implement that can scoop sand. Doing this step is optional and only has to be done if your soil is very clay-like and won’t drain. If your soil is sandy and drains easily, continue with the next step below.
PLANT GRASS SEED IN EACH HOLE
Use any quality grass seed in your area and make sure that whatever type of grass seed you are using is resilient to dryness since pines tend to make their leaves constantly fall on the ground. If your pine tree leaves are large, consider using a larger-sized grass seed instead of smaller seeds. Remember, the grass which will grow under the pine tree will not receive adequate sunlight. That is why it is recommended to plant tall fescues, centipede, and zoysia grasses that thrive in a shady areas.
LEVEL OUT THE GROUND WITH A RAKE
Use your rake to even out the ground and make it even and flat again. Once you’ve gotten rid of any pine cones or pine needles, use a gentle stroke of the rake on the soil to level it out, then go ahead and water your grass seed until the soil is saturated down.
MAINTAIN THE AREA.
To enable the grass to grow faster, you need to water them regularly, especially early in the morning and evening hours. If you live in a place with a hot climate, you should water the grass at least 2 to 3 times per day. If your grass requires some sunlight, you can trim a few branches, especially the abnormal or wounded ones.
It is recommended to hide the grass seeds using a small layer of topsoil or pot soil. Also, if the grass and the tree are competing for nutrients, you should add adequate fertilizer and compost.
How to Plant Grass Under Pine Trees: Conclusion
If you’ve ever planted grass seed under pine trees, you’ll know that they can present a challenge. Though planting pine trees nicely around the perimeter of your yard is often considered good landscaping, it does create some complications when it comes to planting grass or anything else underneath their leaves. However, the steps above on planting grass under pine trees will ensure a beautiful lawn for years to come.
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