- 1). Plow up 12 to 14 inches of soil around the pine tree. Remove any grass that is growing. Break up the clumps and remove any rocks, sticks or clods of clay. Sift out as many pine needles as possible.
- 2). Sift through the soil to inspect the quality. The soil should have equal parts of sand, clay and silt. Soil under a pine tree is often hard and high in clay. You can tell if the clay content is too high if the soil seems gummy or sticky.
- 3). Test the pH and nutrient levels of your soil. Acquire testing kits from your local extension office or nursery.
- 4). Blend compost into the soil so you have a ratio of about 1 part compost to 4 parts soil.
- 5). Blend in any other necessary elements needed to rejuvenate your soil. These will be determined by your analysis and testing of the soil. Add sand plus a bit more compost if your soil is very high in clay. Add sulfur if your soil tested with a high pH. Add lime if it tested with a low pH. Add manure or another nitrogen-based fertilizer if it tested with low nitrogen. Add superphosphate, an acid phosphate, or bone meal if it tested with low phosphorous. Add potash or wood ashes if it tested with low potassium.
- 6). Water the soil thoroughly and wait until the next season to plant, so the elements have time to incorporate and the soil has time to rejuvenate.
- 7). Prune any low branches on the pine tree to make room for the plants. You need a clearance of at least 3 feet. Prune any dead branches from the pine tree to let in extra light. Pine trees should be pruned in early spring, while still dormant.
- 8). Plant perennials that are appropriate for dry shade and for your geographic zones. Talk with the folks at your local nursery about what kind of plants would be best. See Resources below for lists of plants that will thrive in the shade under pine trees.
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