In article .com,
wrote:

I just replanted sod around the mulberry tree in front of my house. The
grass around the tree has been struggling, competing nutrient with the
tree. I have bermuda grass and the shade of the tree makes the
situation worse. I am wondering what I can do to keep both the tree and
lawn happy. I believe I have watered and fertilized the lawn
sufficiently. Thanks for suggestions.

Jay

It's not that its competing for nutrients; regular turf needs full sun.
Shade-tolerant groundcovers are the best option for under trees, but if
you must have grass: 1) Select a fescue seed mix that states that it is
shade tolerant; 2) don't expect even the alleged shade-tolerant mixes to
ever be thick dense turf in the manner of bluegrass in full sun, but a
thinly green surface can be achieved; 3) never cut the shaded grass very
short as it needs more length to keep itself healthy in imperfect
conditions; 4) prune nearby shrubs & if possible thin the tree to let SOME
light in. If this fails, plant something like Vinca minora, dwarf English
ivy, creeping partridge berry, or if its moist enough, Soleirolia baby
tears which can give the general impression of a mowed lawn if you're not
too close.

-paghat the ratgirl
--
Get your Paghat the Ratgirl T-Shirt he
http://www.paghat.com/giftshop.html
"History, I believe, furnishes no example of a priest-ridden
people maintaining a free civil government." -Thomas Jefferson