Question
My husband and I just bought a house in NC. The previous owners didn't like yard work so they filled half the back yard with tiny white gravel and then put pinestraw around the 5 or 6 pine trees we have. We tried digging up the gravel but we noticed that because the yard actually slopes, they layed the gravel to make it even making it about 10 inches deep in some places. What is the best way to get grass to grow? What do I do with all the rock if I have to dig it up? How do you get grass to grow near/under pine trees?

Answer
Ashley -

Wow, lots of work to do! Before I can give you any real advice, I need to ask what kind of soil you find underneath your gravel. Knowing your soil can help you choose what type of grass you use. If you could let me know, I can help you out a little better.

Also, you may want to consider finding a different solution (other than grass) for under your pine trees. Most all grasses need a great deal of sunlight to thrive, so putting grass underneath your pine trees would be a waste of resources.

Get back to me if you like on your soil conditions. Then I can help lead you through the next step.

Best of luck,

Steve S.