Growing grass under conifers is not impossible: find out how to do this successfully

Fur and pine trees look wonderful in a garden. With enough space, being able to admire a majestic, evergreen conifer all year round, is a unique pleasure. They are robust, long-living trees and protect the garden from strong wind and sun. But it can be difficult to grown grass under conifer canopies.

Finding grass growing well under a conifer is very rare. This is due to the continuous fall of needles and resin from these trees which makes the soil in the immediate surroundings too acidic for most garden plants (including grass). So, what can be done?

Why is the ground under conifers and pines so difficult to cultivate?

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As mentioned, the soil under pine and fir trees is very acidic. Grass usually needs neutral soil, with pH between 6.5 and 7. But under a pine tree, the pH can be as high as 3.

The second problem is the light: the canopies of these trees are dense, and blocks sunlight that grass needs to grow.

Finally, the needles. These fall continuously, creating a blanket that suffocates grass and other plants.

How to help grass (and other plants) grow under pine and fir trees

Christine Matthews/geograph.org.uk (CC BY-SA 2.0)

There are steps you can take to encourage grass (and other plants) to grow underneath conifers:

• Choose the right species of grass: Not all types of grass are suitable for growing under conifers. Recommended species include Zoysia tenuifolia (which needs very little water) and other varities of Zoysia, and Eremochloa ophiuroides.
• Removing the lower branches: this is a measure that helps when the trees are close together, and their lower branches create a dense "ceiling". Thinning out the lower branches will help sunlight reach ground level. However, if the trees stand alone (or far from others), this action will not be necessary.
• Rake up the needles frequently: it's a thankless job, but it helps a lot. By raking away the needles, the ground will "breathe" better, get more sunshine and encourage the grass to grow. In winter, the needles actually act like mulch, protecting the soil from the cold. But as temperatures rise, it is a good idea to start raking frequently again.
• When sowing grass, remember to cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. This way, they will be hidden from the birds!

Other plants that can grow under pines and conifers

Following the above steps, you should be able to grow grass beneath your conifers (although it will never look like a golf course!). Another thing you can do is to grow plants under the conifers that can cope with the soil/lighting conditions.

Some plant species to consider are:

• Pulmonaria
• Digital
• Lamium
• Ferns
• Asarum

Alternatively, put down some flowerbeds (raised ones are particularly suitable), which contain so-called acidophilic plants:

• Hydrangeas
• Azaleas
• Rhododendrons
• Rodgersia

As you can see, it is not impossible to beautify the ground under your pines and firs!