Garden Talk: What can you grow under pine trees

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tinkerbell Colorado Springs, CO(Zone 5a) Jan 06, 2002

I've been told that you can plant under pine trees and that they aren't acidic like everyon thinks. I've also been told by someone that if you want to plant anything under a pine tree that you have to put lyme down first. Can anyone tell me if you do or not?

Post #20756
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Jan 07, 2002

Hi Tinkerbell'Only know that my neighbor is growing her hostas,daffodils(other flower bulbs)under her pines' She swears that the needles keep the slugs down to a minimum' We have heavy clay/acidic soil here,using the word soil loosely,lol' She puts in rotted leaves,some sand(very little)and small amt. of manure in the holes before she plants everything,same as I always have too' She also trimmed the bottom limbs up a few feet for some light'HTH Sis'

Post #188795
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tinkerbell Colorado Springs, CO(Zone 5a) Jan 08, 2002

Thanks Sis, that did help. This guy that is suppose to be a landscaper tells me that I have to put lyme down under the trees if I'm going to get anything to grow under it. I think he doesn't really know what he's talking about. Anyway, I have cut the lower limbs off to about 2 feet up. Believe me we have red clay/acidic soil here too. Like you said, using the word soil loosely!!:) Thanks again!!

Post #189269
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Aimee Georgetown, TX(Zone 8a) Jan 25, 2002

The lime will serve to loosen or open the soil if it's really compacted, and will change the pH, which will be acid because the pines create an acid environment for themselves and perpetuate it if it already exists. Since pine trees in general need an acid soil, I would be careful about adding much lime, because you might kill the tree. It won't take the pine long to cause the soil to return to its sweeter condition, so you will have to add lime often. Azaleas and camellias grow beautifully under pines, as they need acid soil, too. If it was in my garden, I would happily plant acid loving plants and not force things to struggle in a hostile environment.

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tinkerbell Colorado Springs, CO(Zone 5a) Jan 25, 2002

Wow, thank you so much for the info Aimee. Very interesting and informative. That is a good idea to plant azaleas and camellias under it since they are acid loving plants. Great idea! Thank again for your help!:D

Post #199062
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Aimee Georgetown, TX(Zone 8a) Jan 26, 2002

You are more than welcome. I would love to see your azaleas and camellias. They are a lot of what I miss in Louisiana.

Post #199282
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tinkerbell Colorado Springs, CO(Zone 5a) Jan 26, 2002

I'll have to take pictures and post them when I get them planted.:) Thanks again for your help.:D

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