We have a cabin over by mark twain lake. we cannot get any grass to grow around the cabin. the neighbors seem to have the same issues. there is a lot of shade from the canopy of many white oaks in hickory trees. should I have the soil tested and where could I have that done? Any idea why we would have so much of a problem

Hi,

i don't think that a soil test is going to tell you much and I don't think that the problem of not being able to grow grass is nutrient related. I think the big issue here is trying to grow a plant (grass) that is best grown in full sun locations but instead you are trying to grow it under the canopy of some very large trees. Couple this with the issue of tree root competition for moisture and nutrients and grass doesn't stand much of a chance under these situations. If yo want some type of cover on the soil you might consider a ground cover other than grass. One of the best for these sites is Epimedium or Barrenwort. It is well adapted for growing under dry shade. While it may take a while to cover the area after planting it does a fine job of providing cover. It gets to about 10-12 inches tall and flowers early in the year. Grass I think is just a loosing propisition.