Because pine trees create fairly dense shade and fallen needles around the trees make the soil acidic, it can be difficult to plant near pine trees or under them. However, if you are like most homeowners, you likely do not want a large, bare spot in your yard underneath your resident pines. Fortunately, by tending to the soil and planting amenable plants, you can easily plant near pine trees.
Rake away the needles and debris under the tree. This will expose the soil so that you can treat it before planting, and give your plants a head start before the needles start to decompose and make the soil even more acidic.
Spread a layer of lime underneath the pine tree. You can spread it with a rake. If possible, wait for a week or two after treating the soil before you plant.
Determine the shade-loving plants you will grow under the pine tree. You can use azaleas, hostas, ferns or periwinkle. Ivy is also a good ground cover underneath pine trees.
Dig a hole in the ground and pour a layer of potting soil into the bottom of the hole.
Place the plant in the hole, then fill in the sides of the hole with potting soil as well. This will give your plant a good start in the somewhat hostile soil environment and should enable it to take root in a healthy manner.