[earthscape on]

from my experiance getting grass to grow healthy under norway maples is impossible. BUT i have seen a lawn that is almost perfect at the outer perimeter of a forest. So whats the trick? irrigation,fertilizer????

[Stonehenge]

Poa could be supplying the magic.

[BuenPatron]

Bonsai Red Fescue, too/

[Mark Oomkes]

Supposedly according to the rep, Nature Safe fertilizer will help with that situation. We're doing some experimenting with it because it also has some natural fungicide results.

[jwholden]

Besides the shallow roots and dry soil under those Norways they have the ability to make it inhospitable for other stuff to grow under them. A chemical process that I forgot the name of.

Cut a large ring around the tree, top dress with just enough compost to plant in, and plant an aggressive groundcover. I used English Ivy once and it worked like a charm. Planted some epimedium in a similar situation and we'll see how that does.

Don't forget to call an arborist and have the canopy thinned and raised as well.

[VoodooChile]

Ambistat has been used in the Fall as a soil drench to inhibit capony growth for the follwing two seasons and permit undergrowth.

[familyguy]

jwholden is right on a with alleopathy (spelling probly wrong) but the ability of a plant to secret a toxin to prevent competition from growing underneath its canopy/within its own root system.

(black walnut is another)

composting is the way to go. provide a MAX 3" layer of 1/2 compost and 1/2 clay loam. (use more if you want the tree to die) and seed using a very tough blend. athletic mix from lesco will work. make sure it will stay wet and you should be just fine for a few years where the process will need to be either repeated or renewed.

[GLAN]

I have no problem at all growing turf near and under Maples.

I have to run.........will be back soon to explain

[jon korevec]

Family guy makes an important point.....The tree sends roots up through your buffer zone that you have created so your solution is temporary. This point should be made clear to the client. As far as i know the only Long term solution is removing the tree and planting somthing more desireable.This is always a tough situation from our perspective. As soon as a client feels you are Feeding them a line to make a sale you are gone. Bring a little literature with you.
Jon

[GLAN]

I don't understand the perception that nothing can grow under a Maple.....


Nonsense


As I said before......I have grass growing, also shrubs, perennials, flowers, foliage plants, herbs.....All growing under Maple Trees.

[familyguy]

glan...
sure they are norways?

[GLAN]

Yeah.......I'm sure.

[rivergirl]

Irrigate, the roots are probably sucking up all the available moisture, and plant shade loving pachysandra or ajuga. Ajuga will spread like a weed. I have vinca minor in heavy shade and it tolerates dryness once established.