growing grass under a large maple tree

by Jordan
(Thornhill, Ontario, Canada)

We have a large maple tree in our large and have very little luck growing our lawn under it. Last summer we laid down fresh soil and shade grass seed. this spring about half of the grass seems to have died. Is there a solution or a substitute for grass?

Doug says that growing grass under big maple trees is (frankly) a waste of time, energy and good grass seed. The shade is too dense and the tree has all the edge when it comes to which plant gets available water and nutrition. Maple tree roots are in a class by themselves when it comes to invading and being competitive. The grass is whipped before it even gets going.

Having said that - so are many plants. If you want to grow anything under a maple and have it *thrive* (compared to *survive*) , you're going to have to water the plants there (no, grass needs more light so even if you water - grass won't thrive under there).

You're talking shade gardening and that's another entire subject matter.

So learn shade gardening, mulch it but don't plan on ever succeeding with a lawn under that maple tree.

Sorry to have to be the bearer of bad tidings. :-(