The Grass Doctor

I cant seem to grow grass under a japanese maple, any idea's? I have tried all types of seeds.?

Public Comments

1. Most trees put out an enzyme that eliminates other growth, including grass, from growing under their canopy or around their roots. This is a natural thing that happens constantly and you can't overcome it. The needles from pine trees do the same thing. Don't try to grow a vegetation but put in small gravel or something else that won't hurt the tree but will cover the bare earth. Just accept it.
2. You need to take advantage of the available light during the winter and spring. Bulbs will grow well then. Cyclamen and hellebores are particularly suited to a dry summer woodland floor as long as it is moist and lit in winter and spring. Here are some more suggestions. http://www.rhs.org.uk/Advice/profiles0803/under_trees.asp
3. Often when leaves are allowed to fall under a tree and decay they will decrease the pH of the soil and make it acidic.. Grass likes to grow in high pH or basic soils, so this isn't good. Try to keep leaves off the area as much as possible, and treat the soil with lime and fertilizer. If this doesn't work, try putting a different type of plant there, like moss or ferns. You'll probably have to buy these plants live or just let grow what will grow. If nothing at all will grow, I'd go with the suggestion of one of the people before me to cover the area around the maple with gravel or a formal substrate. You can even make it look Zen, which is good as Japanese maple is popular in bonsai.
4. Sprinkle some lime around about 3-4 cups. Wait a week. Re-seed yet again. Cover with hay. Water. Re-water 3-4 days later. Keep that up til grass grows. The lime will "sweeten" that area helping to promote growth. Grass will grow in acidic ground, but prefers less. The hay cover/mulch will help keep any birds from eating the seeds. It also provides additional shade for the ground so as not to dry out so fast in heat. If that doesn't work; accent the tree with colored mulch or consult a lawn specialist.
5. maples are water-hogs.... your grasses cannot grow without water and you cannot give the grass enuff water without drowning the maple.... and it will drown!!.... just put a nice mulch under there and let the tree show off... maybe a little clump of Japanese Forest Grass in yellow to be a nice complement to it?...or a variegated leafed Hosta?....anything you plant should be outside the canopy of the maple, if it's to live and prosper.....
6. you're not going to be able to get grass growing. instead, take advantage of the situation and add a mulch ring around the tree. it's looks nicer and is beneficial to the tree. if you choose to do this, make sure the mulch is no more than 3" deep and is kept away from the trunk of the tree.