Planting around a pine tree.....with dogs?

I live in Ohio and I have a large pine tree in my back yard. The bottom branches are dead and I will be removing them. I have two large dogs that spend time in the yard. What can you plant under a pine tree that the dogs will not destroy? How should I landscape it? Also, I'm worried about all the pine needles falling down making the landscape look unkept.

Planting around a pine tree.....with dogs?
There are many shrubs that will work quite well in your situation. I am not sure of your soil type, but in my garden the pine trees have made the soil more acidic. I am able to grow Azaleas, Rhododendrons, burning bush, hydrangeas, summer sweetspire, yews and some shade loving members of the Spiraea family with great success. I also have a succession of colour from spring to fall from flowers and the changes in leaves.





You can also add many perennials that can withstand some foot traffic and like shade such as periwinkle, ajuga and creeping jenny.





I have 2 dogs and take in other foster animals as well and so far that area has been left alone. I use mulch around the shrubs and the dropping needles are not noticeable at all.
Reply:Well, you'll have to stay away from the traditional Hostas and Ferns because your dogs will destroy them. Your best bet may be river rocks or bark.





If you want to plant stuff, there's a host of shade shrubs that you can stick under there depending on the height of your pine tree.





This one actually sounds like it would be perfect: Bittersweet Evergreen. It grows 3'-6' tall, can be used as ground cover and produces white/orange berries.
Reply:Wood chips might be the answer. The pine needles will form a natural mulch as they fall and probably look fine. I would edge the area with bricks or rocks to make it look neater.