It is really difficult to establish turfgrass beneath pepper trees. First, the roots of the trees are highly competitive of water and nutrients, and the shade the canopy casts makes turfgrass establishment nearly impossible.

What can I plant under a pepper tree?

If you choose shade-tolerant plants with a preference for dry soils, you may have some degree of success. I'd suggest planting Polypodium (with fern-like leaves), Vinca minor, Lamium, Sarcococca, Bergenia, Cyclamen, Dicentra (bleeding heart) and Epimedium under your pepper tree.

Will grasses grow under trees?

Which grass seed you need for shaded areas will depend on where your shaded areas are. Grass seed for shade under trees or hedgerows must be able to grow in low moisture and nutrient environments. This is because your grass will be competing with trees for water and nutrients from the soil, and have limited sunlight.