need help with grass

[echo]

I HAVE A MAPLE TREE IN MY BACK YARD & I CAN'T SEEM TO GET ANY GRASS TO GROW. THE GARAGE IS NEXT TO IT SO NO SUN LIGHT. ANY IDEAS ON WHAT KIND OF GRASS SEED I SHOULD GET? I ALSO HAVE A LOT OF GROUND IVY I CAN'T GET RID OF. I HAVE DOGS SO I DON'T KNOW OF ANY SPRAY THAT CAN BE USED AROUND THEM SAFELY. THANKS ECHO :?: :( [/i][/b]

[Janie2004]

Hi Echo.
We have two HUGE Maple trees in our front yard and the grass doesn't grow very good under ours either.

If you have ever tried to dig the soil under the tree, you will find there are enormous roots just under the surface. ( Not too far down at all.)
I think that is why the grass doesn't grow very well.

I would suggest asking at a garden center for their suggestions.
For us, white clover seems to grow better than grass and at least,
it is green!
Sincerely, Janie

[Edelweiss]

Hi Echo,

You didn't indicate where you're located or what zone you're in, so it's a little harder to be sure to suggest the best options. I live in Upstate New York - zone 5 and I, like you, like to avoid putting chemicals outside because I like the little critters too.

Here's a few options - there's a local gardening store in our area called Hewitt's and they carry bags of seed specifically labeled for shade. You might be able to find something similar in your area. Other ideas are to not fight it and instead plant shade-loving plants such as Hostas, low-growing flowers, Pachysandra. In between these plants, you can also plant lots of perennials that come back each Spring such as Bleeding Hearts and Lily of the Valley - both of which come in white and pink. Another option is to put weedbloc down and cover it with bark nuggets or some other groundcover - maybe even add a bench so you sit under the tree. Just some ideas.