I have a Ken Dodson growing on a mailbox, planted about 2 feet from a very mature lodgepole pine, for about 6 years. It grows very nicely for me, and I leave most of the pine needles and cones on the ground. My only concern when planting it was the issue of water and surface roots, and broadcast watering solved that problem. Hope this helps. Terry

Yes, many of mine are under firs and I have naturally acidic soil anyway.

Hydrangeas are always blue here unless treated.