Question
we live in utah, have a large pine tree in the front yard that is close to the drive way.  can't seem to get grass to grow under it or along the drive way.  there is about 10 feet between the bottom branches of the pine tree and the ground.  so the "grass" along the driveway gets a lot of heat and sun.  what options do i have?  thank you.

Answer
Hey, Matt.

The short answer is "Grass doesn't grow under pine trees." In fact, I don't think anything grows under pine trees except other pine trees.

I love pine trees because of the smell. However, I've learned that if I want the smell, then I've got to put up with the pine needles.

Instead of grass, I would suggest trying a ground cover, such as a vine (perhaps English ivy), creeping juniper, or a sedum.

What I've always done is used landscape boulders, rocks, and gravel to create "dry" streams that go around the pine tree so that it looks like the pine tree is growing on the banks of a dry river. You can really do some creative things, and even include a bench to sit on "under the big tree on the river bank." What that also allowed me to do is easily rake up the pine needles when they got too thick.

You might also drive around some neighborhoods there to see what others have done along their driveways and under pine trees. You might find something that you like and can adapt to your place.

Also stop in at your smaller nurseries (rather than, say, Home Depot) and ask for recommendations from them. I've found that the smaller nurseries, especially those that have been in business forever and kept in the family for a couple of generations or more, have more experience with plants and better recommendations.

Of course, the final solution is to simply chop the pine tree down, but I hope you don't choose that route. We need our trees.

P.S. I spent much of my youth in Brigham City and Logan, up north of Salt Lake City.