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How to Grow Grass Near Eucalyptus Trees

By: Jason M. Bruner

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21 September, 2017

lawn and border bed image by TMLP from Fotolia.com

Eucalyptus trees are excellent additions to a lawn if you are looking for a beautiful, aromatic and fast growing tree. However, keeping grass healthy, thick and green can be hard when growing under a eucalyptus tree. Eucalyptus trees make it difficult to grow grass because they produce a large amount of shade and shed their leaves throughout the entire year. By following these few steps, you can successfully grow grass and enjoy your eucalyptus tree together.

Prune away some of the branches of the eucalyptus tree to allow for some sun to reach the lawn below. Grass of all kinds, even shade-tolerant types, require some sun. Use pruning shears to complete this process.

Eucalyptus trees are excellent additions to a lawn if you are looking for a beautiful, aromatic and fast growing tree.
Eucalyptus trees make it difficult to grow grass because they produce a large amount of shade and shed their leaves throughout the entire year.

Apply a layer of topsoil around the base of the eucalyptus tree where the grass will be grown. Ground underneath trees can be compacted making it hard for grass to grow properly. The layer of topsoil will provide loose soil for the grass seed to take root.

Plant a type of grass that is shade tolerant. Fine fescue is a common choice for shady lawns, but it depends on weather. Find a shade-tolerant grass that would grow best in your area.

Water the grass daily. Eucalyptus trees require a lot of water to survive. Ensure the grass is well watered. Constantly provide proper growing conditions for the shade grass.

Apply a layer of topsoil around the base of the eucalyptus tree where the grass will be grown.
Plant a type of grass that is shade tolerant.

Rake the grass once it has taken root. Keep the new grass clear of eucalyptus leaves. The leaves can quickly pile up and kill the grass. Complete this process using a lawn-care leaf rake.

Grows Under Eucalyptus Trees?

Eucalyptus trees don't share well with others. The oils in a eucalyptus tree are strong, but this is only part of the problem and can be overcome with the right plant selection, soil preparation and ongoing care. One important factor is the leaf litter from the eucalyptus. The growing zone varies by species, with varieties growing in USDA zones 5 through 9. California wild rose (Rosa californica), hardy in USDA zones 5 through 10, forms a dense thicket and delicate rose flowers.

Rake the grass once it has taken root.
The oils in a eucalyptus tree are strong, but this is only part of the problem and can be overcome with the right plant selection, soil preparation and ongoing care.