Advice for growing grass under/around Maple trees? - Ask Extension
Barry Momchilovich, <personal data hidden>. Suburban lot in Plymouth. I'm having big troubles keeping grass around and near (5) 20 year-old Maple ...
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Advice for growing grass under/around Maple trees? #881121
Asked August 12, 2024, 10:12 AM EDT
Barry Momchilovich, <personal data hidden>. Suburban lot in Plymouth. I'm having big troubles keeping grass around and near (5) 20 year-old Maple trees. Grass was good for the first 10 years, has got worse every year after. I brought in a couple inches of good dirt 2 years ago and reseeded, grass grew but didn't last well. I tried hydroseeding this year and grass grew and looked OK for a while. Now thinning. Grass in other parts of lawn grows well. I have an irrigation system, water not an issue. I have tried "normal" fertilizer without success in that area. I assume I have a nutrient issue around the Maples. Options? Test the soil to determine best fertilizers to replace nutrients? Different grass seed? I'd really like to avoid giving up on grass and mulching the whole area.
Hennepin CountyMinnesota
Expert Response
You aren't going to like my answer but grass will not grow under mature maples. It is too shady. You can try some fescue but it will not be the 'lush' lawn you are looking for. You could also try planting shade tolerant ground cover. Personally,I have two large maples and gave up on grass many years ago. Also, the roots will come to the surface in spots and it is not a good practice to cover them up because they will just come to the surface again. I have mulched under those trees and have some areas with attractive hostas, in various sizes and colors. Also, some fun decorative containers and a birdbath. Think of it as less grass to mow. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/gardening-shade
Thanks for the prompt response. Yes, you are correct, I don’t really like the answer, but I appreciate your advice.
FYI: the area does get some decent sun: quite a bit in the morning and partial in the afternoon. And, while I’m sure there’s a large root system, there are no surface/exposed roots. Is the “the trees are sucking all the nutrients out of the soil” just an urban myth? There’s not a treatment/fertilizer that’d help?
I’m not questioning your expertise; just a little ignorant . . . and desperate.
Also, if I try the fescue option, do you recommend fine or tall and can I try to introduce the fescue where the current grass is thinning or do I need to till up the whole area and start over?
With the additional information you have given me, especially about the amount of sunlight available, I have taken a second look at the situation. What you are probably experiencing is called Dry Shade. It is a situation where the tree takes up the majority of water available because of the extensive root system. You could try additional deep watering in that area. No need for an entire irrigation system. A hose end sprinkler could be used to cover the area needed. It probably isn't a matter of nutrients but, if you wish, you could apply some slow release fertilizer in the area too. Yes, it would be a good idea to do a soil test. https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/ You could try these applications to see if the grass improves. Do not bring in more soil. That will harm your maples and could lead to stem girdling roots which will kill them. Make a point of actually keeping track of the sunlight that hits the ground in various areas. It may be there isn't as much as you think. Good luck. As I mentioned to you before, I have just mulched the area beneath my two very large maples and am glad to have removed the frustration.
There are grass seed mixtures available at local garden centers that are labeled for shade/partial shade which will include a mix of fescues. Take a look at our instructions on dormant seeding. That would be the easiest way to introduce new varieties. No need to dig up good grass. https://extension.umn.edu/lawn-care/dormant-seeding
Thanks a lot for all your work, I really appreciate it. I’ve got a bunch of things to try. If I’m successful, I’ll let you know what worked and what didn’t. Thanks again.
From: ask=<personal data hidden>On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Monday, August 12, 2024 7:31 PM To: btmom Subject: Re: Advice for growing grass under/around Maple trees? (#0151039)