Grass Does Not Grow Around Pine Trees

Question From: H. Burkel - Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Q: I have an area of my lawn around pine trees that will not grow. I have tried fertilizing and watering regularly. But nothing seems to work. from the spring on this area gets full sun and it seems no matter how much water it is always brown and dead looking. My thought was because I have long needle pines that perhaps my soil was too acidic.

A: The grass cannot compete with the tree roots for water. Better for the tree to mulch the area with 4 inches of organic mulch. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy