Under the pine trees...

[lesa]

We have spoken of the dreaded "snow on the mountain" ground cover before. My question is, do you think it will grow under mature pine trees? At the apts we are taking care of they have some beautiful huge trees. We were thinking of mulching under them- since mowing is difficult. The roots are so close to the surface, that the lawn mower hits them. When I was out in my garden, pulling the snow on the mountain- the idea came to me. I don't want to do a ton of work- if someone already knows, it won't grow under the pines...

 

[so lucky]

Does the mat of pine needles not keep stuff from growing? Our white pines drop so many needles that nothing but the very occasional obnoxious weed grows there. They have low growing branches, tho, so that may make a difference. But to your question, I bet snow on the mountain would grow there. It would be limited in how far it can expand, if you mow around the area. As much as I hate the stuff, I think it might be a good choice for your particular problem.

 

[lesa]

That is what I was thinking, so lucky. The grass does grow under these trees... Not too many pine needles. I think I will give it a try. Even with the speed that snow on the mountain spreads- it will several years before the area is covered. I think mowing around it, will solve the invasive part. Guess I have something else to add to my to-do list!

 

[897tgigvib]

Lesa, that kind of place, around shady and difficult to care for places, and near foundations is exactly what Snow on the Mountain is for. Just find out how much water it will do best with, and careful it does not get out of bounds. Seems to do great around water spigots...

 

[thistlebloom]

Yes it will grow there Lesa! And I think it does just fine with little water once established. Moist beds are what makes it so invasive.
I have two customers that have it under pines and it is actually well behaved there, both places are rather dry, with only infrequent irrigation.

It can also take quite a lot of sun here.

 

[ninnymary]

Lesa, with all the snow you have been having, I thought your post was a snow question!

Mary

 

[JimWWhite]

Lisa,

You may have good luck with acid loving plants. I understand that blueberries love pine mulch and even being in pine soil. We mulch ours each year with pine needles and they're very healthy and productive. Some of the other garden plants like tomatoes might like it there too. Just a thought.

Jim

 

[MeggsyGardenGirl]

I call it Bishop's Weed and have it under some maple trees where it absolutely does NOT thrive. No worries about it being invasive there. If it's dry under your pine trees, I agree that spreading shouldn't be a problem. I think it brightens up a shady area pretty nicely.