Patch of lawn dying near pine trees - Ask Extension
Hi. We have a patch of our lawn near a couple of large pine trees that is turning brown. The grass appears to be dying. We are wondering if th...
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Patch of lawn dying near pine trees #874356
Asked June 23, 2024, 11:28 PM EDT
Hi. We have a patch of our lawn near a couple of large pine trees that is turning brown. The grass appears to be dying. We are wondering if the proximity to the pine trees might be causing the problem. We've read that the soil near pine trees can be acidic, contributing to lawn problems. We've also read that the trees can compete with the grass for water. Can you advise us regarding what might be the problem? The rest of the lawn is doing fine. The grass is tall fescue and the grass is about 2 years old. Thank you very much!
Boulder County Colorado
Expert Response
So there could be several things going on.
While pine needles themselves are somewhat acidic, by the time they turn brown and fall off the tree, this is no longer the case. That said, they do work as an effective mulch which can prevent the grass from getting enough sunlight. The grass is also likely competing for moisture with the tree and having to deal with shading and rain blocking from the tree as well.
Some things that could be done is to rake the needles from the area often, find a way to provide more sunlight to the grass which may involve pruning the tree (not best for the tree), or giving in to the situation and mulching the most affected part of the lawn or planting a shade loving groundcover.
Hope that gives some ideas. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to reply.
While pine needles themselves are somewhat acidic, by the time they turn brown and fall off the tree, this is no longer the case. That said, they do work as an effective mulch which can prevent the grass from getting enough sunlight. The grass is also likely competing for moisture with the tree and having to deal with shading and rain blocking from the tree as well.
Some things that could be done is to rake the needles from the area often, find a way to provide more sunlight to the grass which may involve pruning the tree (not best for the tree), or giving in to the situation and mulching the most affected part of the lawn or planting a shade loving groundcover.
Hope that gives some ideas. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to reply.
