Question
I have a large maple tree, I do not know the species, in my front yard that I can not grow grass under.  The grass started dying in small areas and now has expanded to an area about 20 feet in diameter.  We have tried 3 times to grow grass unsuccessfully.  My husband thought he heard that certain species of maple trees kill grass.  Is that true?  The tree is about 40 - 50 ft tall and has a beautiful natural shape, somewhat triangular, and has a larger deep green leaf.  It's a healthy tree and does not lose too many branches as does the messy silver maples my neighbor has.  It's been in our yard since we moved in 22 years ago but the grass just won't grow underneath.  Any ideas?  Thank you

Answer
The problem is the lack of sun light and moisture. Most grass types prefer open sunlight and do not grow well in the shade. All grass types require sunlight to produce food through the photosynthesis process. Grass also competes with the trees for the moisture and nutrients in the soil.

While shade is the biggest, most obvious problem trees create for turf growth, a tree抯 roots also contribute to poor turf performance. Contrary to general thinking, most tree roots are in the top 2 feet of soil. More important, the majority of fine, water absorbing roots are in the top 6 inches of soil. Grass roots ordinarily occupy a much greater percentage of the soil volume than tree roots and out compete them for water and nutrients, especially around young trees. However, grass root density is often much lower in areas where trees were established first. In these situations, tree roots compete much better for water and nutrients and prevent or reduce the success of establishing new turf.

Here is a web link to information on the type of grass growing in the shade. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/EP072