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Live Oak + Acorns + Grass under tree HELP
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Author:  MargieInDTX@mac.com [ Sun Nov 08, 2009 11:29 am ]
Post subject:  Live Oak + Acorns + Grass under tree HELP

We have 2 large Live Oak trees in our front yard. Both drop enormous amounts of acorns. The soil under the trees does not grow grass (probably from shade, north side of house + tree cover). It's unattractive in terms of curb appeal.
We want to consider ground cover option, but are concerned that the soil will be unhealthy because of amt of acorns, lack of current growth in the soil. Also, ground cover would literally almost have to cover the whole front yard in lieu of grass because the trees shad all but the front 1/4 of the yard.
Ideas? Thoughts? HELP!
Thanks!
Margie In DTX

Author:  northwesterner [ Mon Nov 09, 2009 10:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Live Oak + Acorns + Grass under tree HELP

I like the look of sparse grass under big trees, so I think this is probably one of those "in the eye of the beholder" issues. A neighbor in the next block went a bit insane last fall and cut down several very large healthy beautiful red oaks because he was tired of the acorns. The neighbors were appalled, and his yard looks really strange now with the things he has put in the place of the trees.

I think if you simply rake up the acorns, then scatter an attractive landscaping mulch over the ground, you'll have a nice looking area and the mulch will help keep the soil in place, the biological activity healthy, and make pickup of acorns easy. If you plant a ground cover then either you have to pick the acorns out of it or let them grow where they land if the squirrels don't relocate them all.

There are ornamental grasses that will grow in the shade, but you want to be sure that when you put it in that the needs of the grass and the needs of the trees won't clash and harm the trees or compromise the investment in the grasses.

Author:  LostCreek [ Sun Apr 04, 2010 3:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Live Oak + Acorns + Grass under tree HELP

Actually, I think you have a great opportunity here. You can plant either Asian Jasmine or Purple Winter-creeper for a ground cover that will create that "forest floor" look that is so awesome to view. Winter may cause them to die out a little, but if you water and mulch them well, they'll be healthy.

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