What can you plant near pine trees?

Pine trees are a common sight in many landscapes. They offer beauty, shade, and even areas for wildlife to thrive. However, what many people do not realize is that the soil around pine trees can be quite acidic. This acidity can limit the plants you can grow close to the tree. This article will explore the plants that thrive in the environment surrounding pine trees.

Plants that thrive near pine trees

One of the first things to consider when planting near pine trees is the soil. Pine needles are acidic and can lower the pH level of the soil. This acidity can be challenging for many plants to overcome. However, some plants are adapted to thrive in acidic soil. These include:

Azaleas: Azaleas are a beautiful flowering shrub that can tolerate acidic soil. Their bright blooms make them a popular choice for gardens.

Rhododendrons: Rhododendrons are closely related to Azaleas and are another excellent choice for planting near pine trees. They come in many different colors and can grow up to 25 feet tall.

Heather: Heather is a low-growing plant that thrives in acidic soil. It has beautiful pink, white or purple flowers that can add a splash of color to your garden.

Blueberries: Blueberries are one of the few fruit-bearing plants that thrive in acidic soil. They are a popular choice for gardens, and their berries are delicious to eat.

Ferns: Ferns are another group of plants that can tolerate acidic soil. They come in many different varieties and can add texture and color to your garden.

These are just a few examples of plants that can grow well in the soil around pine trees. However, there are many other plants to consider as well.

Plants to avoid near pine trees

While many plants can thrive near pine trees, some should be avoided. These include plants that prefer alkaline soil. These plants will struggle to grow in the acidic soil surrounding pine trees. Some of the plants to avoid include:

Roses: Roses prefer alkaline soil and will struggle to grow in acidic soil.

Boxwoods: Boxwoods are another plant that prefers alkaline soil. They can struggle to grow near pine trees.

Hostas: Hostas prefer neutral to alkaline soil and can have a difficult time growing near pine trees.

By avoiding plants that prefer alkaline soil, you can ensure that your garden thrives even near pine trees.

Conclusion

While pine trees can make for stunning additions to any landscape, they can be challenging to plant around. Acidic soil is the primary challenge, but by selecting acidic soil tolerant plants, you can ensure that your garden thrives even near pine trees. Avoiding plants that prefer alkaline soil is also essential. With a little research and planning, you can create a thriving garden, even with pine trees.