Got 5 minutes..........?

[Kip Powick]

This is a controversial video...to some... but does have some valid information. I think it was created a few years ago but still........very interesting.

Shift Happens

[Timothy]

Enjoyed the music, but at this time I'm more concerned about getting some grass to grow under my maple trees.

I've got a full time job running a cat house and looking after my own little corner of the world. Don't have either the time or inclination to get concerned about matters over which I have no control.

[DEFCON]

Interesting info Kip but, where's the controversy?

"I'm more concerned about getting some grass to grow under my maple trees."

If you can figure that one out I'd like the answer.

[Kip Powick]

Interesting info Kip but, where's the controversy?

"I'm more concerned about getting some grass to grow under my maple trees."

If you can figure that one out I'd like the answer.

There are many sites that host that video, and like some, there are viewers who don't care/worry/think about the "numbers'" however if you have the time to read the many comments on the sites, one can see that there are concerns and the biggest concerns are voiced by those living south of the 49th and those that have children going through the educational process at this time.

Life was easier/simpler in my days as a youngster and I often wonder if the rapid advent of the computer/hi-tech generation has been good for those that will eventually be running our little section of the universe.

I certainly don't envy them.

"I'm more concerned about getting some grass to grow under my maple trees."

Have many maples around the Casa......20 years ago we gave up trying to grow grass in the backyard under maple trees....put in 12 tons of pea/-gravel, the Admiral turned sections into picturesque rock gardens and raised flower beds and the most important improvement was that the dogs never came in with muddy feet.

[Kip Powick]

Don H.................change your mind??? Thanks for the link...very interesting speech and visuals.

Kip

[Specs]

".....I'm more concerned about getting some grass to grow under my maple trees....."

Add one more AEFer looking for that answer.

Never thought I'd see the day Gardening became one of my hobbies. It happenned last year after the local gas company chewed up my lawn and I've been at it ever since.

Some well meaning semi relative planted a Maple a few yrs ago to shade the patio and now the grass underneath it is dying. What about lopping off the first set of lower branches? A little more air through the branches would cuts down the black spot mildew and that might be whats killing the grass?

[Guest rattler]

Add one more AEFer looking for that answer.

Never thought I'd see the day Gardening became one of my hobbies. It happenned last year after the local gas company chewed up my lawn and I've been at it ever since.

Some well meaning semi relative planted a Maple a few yrs ago to shade the patio and now the grass underneath it is dying. What about lopping off the first set of lower branches? A little more air through the branches would cuts down the black spot mildew and that might be whats killing the grass?

Ah, the wonders of Google.

Maybe this is what you are looking for?

Grass plants are sun lovers and grow very poorly in the shade of trees. Also grass require water, loose soil and sun to do well.

Under the canopy of a mature norweigan maple, water is a critical issue. it is not uncommon for soil to stay bone dry below the canopy even after a heavy downpour. other maples are less dense.

Norwegian maples also have a very shallow root system which interfer with grass roots. the maple will compete for moisture often at the expense of the grass. Finally the dense canopy can shield out needed sunlight.

the best grass in a shady condition is fine fescues (hard, chewing,creeping red) and if you use Scott's Pure Premium grass mixes, then look for the green lable (Shady mixture). It contain good shade tolorant cultivars.

THe problem with fine fescues, is that they like well aerated soil which is not present under mature trees. These trees will compact the soil which can be a problem for the fine fescues.

I recommend loosening the top 2-3" of soil with a rake, shovel, etc making sure you don't chop down too sharply and sever major roots. Some root pruning for the trees are ok. Then mix in a generous layer (1-3") of well aged compost and rake it into the top 2-3" of topsoil. Water well to settle the soil and then rake smooth.

Sow grass seeds in early May and keep watering daily for 10-15 minutes at a time to keep the top 1" of soil w/seeds consistently hydrated. When the new grass sprouts (14-21 days) gradually increase the time between watering and then amount of water you apply. The goal after 4-5 weeks is to water infrequently, but deeply (such as once per week for 2 hours rather than 15 minutes daily). Initially a newly seeded lawn requires frequent, shallow applications. The goal is eventually to water infrequently but deeply. At that time the goal is to thoroughly soak the root zone to a dept of 8-12" with each watering.

Since the canopy can shield rain, you may need to water manually. since tree roots will compete for moisture, it helps to water with a sprinkler under the trees on weekly basis. During first year, check twice per week and better to water one time too many, although still make sure you water deeply.

If the problem is lack of sunlight (it could be that the exposure is northern while exposure under other maples are southern for example), you will probably never get grass to grow. If still a problem, consider a shade tolorant ground cover like vinca minor, or pathysandra. We have vinca minor growing under a norwegin maple in our back yard and it is flourishing.

[Kip Powick]

Ah, the wonders of Google.

Maybe this is what you are looking for?

Grass plants are sun lovers and grow very poorly in the shade of trees. Also grass require water, loose soil and sun to do well.

Under the canopy of a mature norweigan maple, water is a critical issue. it is not uncommon for soil to stay bone dry below the canopy even after a heavy downpour. other maples are less dense.

Norwegian maples also have a very shallow root system which interfer with grass roots. the maple will compete for moisture often at the expense of the grass. Finally the dense canopy can shield out needed sunlight.

the best grass in a shady condition is fine fescues (hard, chewing,creeping red) and if you use Scott's Pure Premium grass mixes, then look for the green lable (Shady mixture). It contain good shade tolorant cultivars.

THe problem with fine fescues, is that they like well aerated soil which is not present under mature trees. These trees will compact the soil which can be a problem for the fine fescues.

I recommend loosening the top 2-3" of soil with a rake, shovel, etc making sure you don't chop down too sharply and sever major roots. Some root pruning for the trees are ok. Then mix in a generous layer (1-3") of well aged compost and rake it into the top 2-3" of topsoil. Water well to settle the soil and then rake smooth.

Sow grass seeds in early May and keep watering daily for 10-15 minutes at a time to keep the top 1" of soil w/seeds consistently hydrated. When the new grass sprouts (14-21 days) gradually increase the time between watering and then amount of water you apply. The goal after 4-5 weeks is to water infrequently, but deeply (such as once per week for 2 hours rather than 15 minutes daily). Initially a newly seeded lawn requires frequent, shallow applications. The goal is eventually to water infrequently but deeply. At that time the goal is to thoroughly soak the root zone to a dept of 8-12" with each watering.

Since the canopy can shield rain, you may need to water manually. since tree roots will compete for moisture, it helps to water with a sprinkler under the trees on weekly basis. During first year, check twice per week and better to water one time too many, although still make sure you water deeply.

If the problem is lack of sunlight (it could be that the exposure is northern while exposure under other maples are southern for example), you will probably never get grass to grow. If still a problem, consider a shade tolorant ground cover like vinca minor, or pathysandra. We have vinca minor growing under a norwegin

or put in pea-gravel

[Specs]

or put in pea-gravel

I guarantee they'll be less tears.

[Timothy]

Thanks for the information Kip. Didn't mean to derail your tread. At the moment the rye has come up, but it may not last and there is no sign of the fescue yet. If this last effort doesn't work I'll just let the moss return. It's green and doesn't require mowing.

[Don Hudson]

Hi Kip;

change your mind???

TED's a great site but it was probably time to air out my contributions and let the humour through - what I posted regarding the US educational system stands as stated, (and is also true), but I guess there's a time and place. The video link you posted represents the areas most fascinating to a data guy but, ... I have some cedars that I can't grow grass under so am watching carefully for some serious, thoughtful and deep discussions with dozens of book-references on same...Anybody?

[Specs]

Hi Kip;

... I have some cedars that I can't grow grass under so am watching carefully for some serious, thoughtful and deep discussions with dozens of book-references on same...Anybody? 

I tried using Dolomitic Lime last Year on the recommendation of the the "experts" at Sheridan Nurseries. Then reseeded on new topsoil per their recommendations. Followed up with their Chicken Poop fertilizer that smells so bad the kids next door literally ran inside an stayed there for three days in the summer.

1 year later - looks much worse.

[Don Hudson]

Specs...the moss is greener on the other side of the kitchen door...

Funny thing about nature...natural acids will have their way over domesticated grasses every time..