From the photos you can see grass grows very patchy on the edge of the path but won’t grow up next to the tree. I know the tree is taking all the nutrients but is there anyway to make even the soil less dry to give it a chance. Tree is constantly dropping sticks which doesn’t help either, no matter how much I rake up to try let the ground breathe .
by frangapany7
16 Comments
The shadows might also give you a clue?
The grass won’t grow due to shade, poor quality soil, lack of water and or foot traffic
Rehabilitation the soil, shade/dought tolerant grasses and the opportunity ro grow roots is a must. Given the fact that the grass grows well enough near the path I would say its mostly a water and shade issue
But if leaf litter isnt taken care of you won’t be able to have grass there
Grass is always going to struggle in that spot because of the tree roots and shade.
You could try turning over the top layer of soil and mixing in some compost to improve the soil, that might help.
Soils rooted : dry, compacted and potentially shallow and shaded.
Fix those issues and try again with grass.
If it’s a high foot traffic area then maybe look at a clumping or strappy leaf native grass and make it an informal garden bed.
It’s a good thing
Forget about the grass and apply some mulch, pine bark or arborist tippings.
Looks like a great spot for a verge garden 🤙
Grass is a ridiculous weed that people grow on purpose. How about some native dichondra, would handle the shade the tree casts.
Eucalypts (and many pine trees) have an allelopathic impact on the soil around them. It kills most turf grass if shaded and compacted.
However, solving it can risk damage to the tree if roots are damaged or you introduce a vector for rot.
If you come to terms with never growing kikuyu or cooche there, then there are alternatives.
Buffalo has better chance of growing up to the trunk of many eucalypts but it will take a while to get it established. Dumping fresh soil, turning the existing soil and rolling out turf might affect the tree roots and send it into decline. Similarly, fertilising the soil may trigger phosphate toxicity. I’ve grown buffalo under eucalypts by establishing it in healthy lawn and slowly rejuvenating the soil under the trees. Putting a plastic collar around the trunk will prevent damage from whipper snipping.
Many native grasses like lomandra and dianella can be planted in a ring around a eucalypt like this. They can naturally form a barrier if planted densely and so you might not need a garden edge, just whipper snipper the lawn up to the mature lomandras.
Native ground covers might also be an option to replace the whole lawn there. You’ll need to carefully cultivate the soil tho to remove the toxins released by the tree.
It’s in the verge so whatever you do seek advice from council, and/or council approval for anything you do there.
Correct, tress are big suckers that will take all the nutrients, light, water and anything else they can from the grass baby. Just edge and mulch
And it won’t. A tree that be size will take all the moisture the nature strip has to offer
Try native pig face. I’ve seen it do well in the harsh conditions under fir trees
“Native Pigface (Carpobrotus rossii or C. glaucescens) is a fast-growing, edible, and drought-tolerant succulent groundcover, commonly found along Australian coastlines. It features thick, fleshy leaves, bright pink/purple, daisy-like flowers, and red/purple fruits that taste like salty figs. It is ideal for coastal gardens, soil stabilization, and as a salty bushfood staple. “
trees drink water and hog the sun
Tree is root bound and needing mulch
The only plant I’ve had any success growing under trees is one called “blue eyes”. It’s an aggressive ground cover and can tolerate shade and dry soil but needs warmth.
Not your grass, don’t worry about it