Cannot get grass to grow where old pine was

Question

We have 2 front yard pine trees. There was a third but we had it removed 20 years ago. we still cannot get grass to grow there. We have used lime to neutralize the soil. We added new topsoil to entire area. We have used every kind of grass seed imaginable, even the stuff that grows on concrete. The only thing that grows is the ivy around the remaining pine trees. Would grass between the 2 trees instead of yard of ivy. What can I do to repair the soil or should I give up and put in a shade garden?

Answer 1

I’m sure that, after 20 years, the somewhat acidic nature of soil beneath a pine tree has neutralized. I’m guessing you must have quite a bit of shade in this area. Here are some thoughts on growing grass in shady areas; https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/growing-grass-shade.htm
If you’ve already tried many different types of grass, you already know that trying to grow grass in an area that’s too shady for it is an exercise in futility. You can of course create a nice mulched area, with nice flowing borders between the lawn and mulch. Or if you want plants, what a wonderful opportunity to create something much more interesting and beautiful than plain grass.
Here are some suggestions on what to grow in a shaded area: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/shade/finding-a-shade-loving-plant.htm