Question
I have a very large maple tree on my front lawn that provides wonderful shade but does not allow the grass to grow. Over the years I have tried re-sodding and re-seeding with no success. Nearly all of the ground under the tree is dirt, very little grass. I am lost about what to do. Can you help?

                                      Thank you,

                                      Tom

Answer
Hi Tom,

Well, this is pretty simple. There's too much shade under the tree. It's pretty much that simple. Your efforts have been futile, because the grass won't grow in shade like that. I do realize that there are "shade" seeds, but even those need a certain amount of direct sunlight.

I'd recommend looking into some shade tolerant ground covers or spreading a nice looking bark mulch. Just don't continue trying to grow grass in a place where it just won't work.

Good luck my friend.

-C.J. Brown
www.TheLawnCoach.com