Pines trees are resilient and grow in a wide variety of conditions. This is seen in the hardiness zones they thrive most, from the climate zone 2 to zone 10. They are also associated with soils of acidic nature ranging from a pH of 5.5 to 7. Their needles are too acidic, with a pH of 3.8 to 4.5 when they drop.
Pine trees require average annual rainfall of 10 to 21 inches and inversions ranging from 32°F to 36°F. When considering a sufficient sod for growth under pine softwoods, their development should be accommodated with the above conditions and have excellent shade tolerance.
This article discusses:
- The top five types of grass seed for under pine trees
- How to grow grass under pine trees
- Kinds of grass that will grow under pine trees
- USDA areas for pine trees and how they affect the grass type to choose
- Pine trees and grass problems
The Top Five Types of Grass Seed for Under Pine Trees
| Parameter | Scotts Kentucky Bluegrass Mix | Pennington Dense Shade | Jonathan Green Dense Shade | Outsidepride Creeping Red Fescue | Outsidepride Kentucky Bluegrass |
| Types of Grass | Kentucky Bluegrass | Tall Fescue, Chewing Fescue, Red Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass | Fescue Grasses, Perennial Ryegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass | Tall Fescue | Kentucky Bluegrass |
| Size | 7 lb | 7 lb | 7 lb | 10 lb | 5 lb |
| Coverage in square feet | 4,660 | 1,750 | 2,100 | 1,500 | 2,000 |
| Germination period | 7-30 days | 4-6 weeks | 7-10 days | 7-14 days | 3-4 weeks |
| Active growth periods | Fall and spring | Early spring or fall | Fall and spring | Early fall and early spring | Early fall and spring |
Scotts Kentucky Bluegrass Mix – Best Grass Seed for Under Pine Trees
Being a drought-resistant sod, this mix is specially formulated to overcome wear and tear for a sturdy greensward. Scotts Kentucky Bluegrass Mix suits pine tree vicinities since it can sprout under shade and sunny conditions. Its protectant keeps ailments at bay.
It is suitable for northern regions of the US, with climate zones ranging from 2 to 6. It ought to be soused twice a day for three weeks to keep clod moist until a height of 2 inches.
The mead can be trimmed when 2-3 inches tall. It performs in soils 1” deep.
Pros
- Durable
- Drought tolerant
- Protective covering against disease attacks
Cons
- Most weed killers could harm this sod.
Pennington Dense Shade – Best Shade Grass Seed Mix
This sod can sprout in any shaded vicinity in the US and hence suits growth under pine trees. It is accommodated in all hardiness zones from 2 to 10. It overcomes drought and establishes fast. It also has safeguarding properties against fungus.
It is best sowed on the turf with a pH of 6.4, similar to pine growing areas, and should be lightly raked to ¼” depth. The greensward must be kept moist from frequent watering until the sod is established. Once at the height of 3”, mow off 1”.
Pros
- Sprouts fast
- Resistant to fungus
- Suitable for hardiness zones 2-10 in the US
Cons
- Fails in sunny surroundings
Jonathan Green Dense Shade – Best Grass Seed for Shady Under Pine Trees
This mixture will perfectly suffice in shady areas where others have failed. Its endophytic varieties ward off insect scarring. It forms dense growth as it develops and requires 2-4 hours of solar insolation.
This sod is capable of growing in all planting zones meaning it can grow under pine tree vicinity. Suitable for dirt with a pH between 6.2 and 7.0. The grains should be spread using a rotary spreader. Watering ought to be done biweekly until the sod is at 2.5 inches.
Pros
- Good performance under shade
- Overcomes drought
- Resistant to diseases
Cons
- Low sun tolerance
Outsidepride Creeping Red Fescue – Best Cool-Season Grass Seed for Under Pine Softwoods
This sod can sprout comfortably in both insolated and shady surroundings making it a suitable candidate. It grows fast and tolerates low levels of fertility and is best sowed on sandy soils.
This grass seed can be used in all Northern hardiness zones. The dressing can be applied following clod test specifications. Cut it at a height of 1.5 inches (spring and fall) or 2 inches (summer).
Pros
- Fills bare spots
- Does well under shade
- Survives in considerably acidic conditions (pH: 5.5-7.0)
- Fast growth
Cons
- Wilts in extreme heat
Outsidepride Kentucky Bluegrass – Best Drought Tolerant Grass Seed for Under Pine Trees
This dwarf growing sod comes with very high tiller density along with excellent resistance to ailments. It requires a few mowing practices and has low irrigation and maintenance needs.
It sprouts in turf with a pH of 5.5-8.0. It must be watered regularly before the sowed grains’ germination but matures to become resistant to drought. Its low height is easily maintained at a trimming height of 1.5 to 2 inches.
Pros
- Disease resistance
- Little maintenance required
- Does well under shade
Cons
- May encourage weed development
Buyer’s Guide
How to Grow Grass Under Pine Trees?
First, remove fallen pine tree needles using a rake to prevent alteration in soil pH. Then till the turf without damaging the tree roots. After scattering lime to help neutralize the tilled ground, spread the sod seed, and cover the area with 10 lb of starter fertilizer.
Spread 100 lb of earth over the grains to protect them from birds. Then follow watering recommendations as specified by the manufacturer.
What Kind of Grass will Grow Under Pine Trees?
Sods that grow under pine trees have to match the same clod requirements needed by pine trees to sprout. They will need to withstand acidic soils, and most grow under the shade cast continuously by the softwoods all day. These swards include Ryegrass, Fescues, and Centipede grass, among others.
What are USDA Areas for Pine Trees and how they Affect the Sod Type to Choose?
The cold hardiness tracts in which these trees reside generally range from zones 2 to 10. These zones occupy almost the whole state of the US. They affect the sod to choose in that cold season sods are better off in lower zones and vice versa.
What are the Problems of Pine Trees and Underneath Grass?
Under these evergreen trees, the turf is accustomed to falling needles from the tree, which add more acidity to the clod. This can be solved by soil amendments such as lime or starter fertilizers. The shade cast by the softwood is another problem that can be fixed by growing shade tolerant sod.
FAQ
Only when the sod has low shade tolerance.
Shade tolerable sods are valid candidates.
By applying a starting fertilizer or spreading lime.
Do regular raking of the ground under the pine tree.
Summary
Shelter tolerant swards are among the options when seeding mead under pine softwoods. The sod appraised must be well accommodated in all hardiness zones from 2 to 10. Be sure to sow the sod in spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) when the turf temperate is 55°F-80°F and strictly adhere to its specifications.