QuestionI live in Northern Wyoming, it is a high desert area.
I have two coniferous type trees in my front yard, and have had a hard time finding any grass or flowers that will grow and survive in this soil. I was told that the needles cause the soil to be acidic. The tree's shade is not the sole cause of this problem because it happens where there is no shade from the trees. Everything that I have ever planted only lives for a short time then dies. If you could suggest any kind of grasses and flowers that will grow in this soil I would be greatly appreciative,as I am tired of having dirt for a front yard.
AnswerHi Stacy,
If there has been a long history of pine-needles falling to the ground around the pine trees and decaying to give a rich, dark and moist top-soil, then this is probably an acidic soil. The terms 'high-desert' (ecology) and acidic pine-forest soil are not generally compatible, but it is possible with old pine-trees for there to be an acidic locus in the generally more alkaline desert landscape.
For just a few bucks you can invest in a soil-testing kit from Wal-Mart or a garden center to test the soil's pH (acidity) to settle any doubts about this soil chemistry parameter.
All of the cool-climate grasses you may want to consider for your horticulture zone actually prefer a slightly acidic top-soil. They also will need so much water and sun-light.
Tall Fescues named 'SR-8600' and 'Rembrandt' are especially hardy and shade tolerant, so you may want to try these for grasses to see how they might grow with the given conditions before making any changes in the soil (which sould be avoided if possible).
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Only Use plants and grasses rated for your climate-zone.
HORT ZONES from ZIP CODES:
http://www.arborday.org/trees/whatzone.html
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To help you decide what plants to use and where to place them check-out the "PLANT SELECTOR" applet:
www.growit.com/Bin/PSelect.exe
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If indeed your top-soil should test to be excessively acidic,...then I think you can go from there and consider ways to reduce the acidity (by adding Lime) or by trying to grow some of the acid-loving plants for your zone. But, do the soil-test first to see what strategies to follow.
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Another alternative might be to construct 'raised bed' gardens around the trees which you can fill with the best soil and have the plants grow in this type of set-up.
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I Hope this has answered your question(s)!
Have a fantastic Summer!
Visit my Lawn & Gardens webpage for more Lawn and Garden Tips, Facts and Links:
http://hometown.aol.com/eilatlog/lawnol.html
Your Questions and Comments are welcome at ALLEXPERTS.com
___ Jim Gibbs,
Microbiologist
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