White Pine Needles killing my grass

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White Pine Needles killing my grass

by Bill
(Bel air, MD)

The border of my property has a row of mature white pine trees approximately 30-35 feet tall. I like the trees as it gives us privacy from the house next door but the needles falling from the trees kill the Fescue grass underneath. I have re-sod, reseeded, and added all kinds of fertilizers to try and get the grass to grow and am continually blowing off the needles but nothing seems to work. Anyone have any suggestions to fix this problem?

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White Pine Needles killing my grass

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Jun 27, 2010

White Pine Trees Killing Grass
by: Kimberly

Hi Bill, Kimberly here from landscape-solutions-for-you. Thank you for asking the question on the white pine trees and your Fescue grass.

This can be a common problem. All pine trees contain a large amount of acid. The acid from the tree and the pine needles will effect the soil around the trees. I agree with you that the pines provide a nice privacy area.

It sounds like you have attempted to get the Fescue growing around the trees. Unfortunately, it is very difficult if not impossible to grow healthy grass around pines.

There are a couple of things you can do, so you won't continue putting money into trying to get your Fesuce to grow.

You can border the pine trees at a distance away. There are a lot of different materials available for you to use as a border. If you decide to border the area, go ahead and put down a weed and grass killer. Let the chemical work for a few days to a week. Rake up the area and apply the border. (brick, natural stone, or edging) You can also put down mulch or tiny decorative stone from the base of the trees to the border. Does this make sense to you?

I also have a row of pine trees along the road for privacy. I have found there are certain plants that will grow near the pines. This is another option for you. You can make a defined bed and put some plants that will give your property a nice look, yet the pines won't interfere with them. If you are interested in this option, let us know, and can give you some suggestions on what plant specimens will survive around the white pines.

My recommendation is to not try to get the Fescue growing around the pines. Without seeing your property I am not sure which option would work best for you. It also sounds like you have put a lot of work into trying to get the Fescue growing. Think about these options and how you can incorporate them into your own landscape.

The best of luck to you with this problem, and please keep us updated on what you decide. Also, feel free to upload a picture so we can see the area. I, or others might be able to give you a definite solution to the situation. Thanks again for asking the question here at landscape solutions for you. Have a great day!
Kimberly

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