Growing Grass in the Shade

Growing Grass in the Shade: Expert Tips for a Lush Lawn

Growing Grass in the Shade

Growing grass and maintaining a lawn in the shade can be a daunting task for homeowners. The grass tends to grow at inconsistent rates, which makes it more susceptible to pests and diseases. Additionally, shaded lawns require different treatment from other parts of the garden. To help you overcome these challenges, I will share some of my top tips and strategies for successfully growing and managing grass in shaded areas.

In this article, we will discuss various ways to establish a new lawn in a shaded area, as well as best practices for maintaining a healthy lawn despite the shade. We will also explore how to limit common problems related to shaded lawns and answer some frequently asked questions concerning grass varieties and lawn care.

Key Takeaways

  • Establishing a new lawn in the shade requires selecting the appropriate grass variety and proper care.
  • Regular maintenance is crucial for preserving the health of a shaded lawn.
  • Implementing proactive measures can help minimise common issues related to grass in shaded areas.

Issues with Growing Grass in the Shade

Most of us will have shady grass areas in our garden to varying degrees. As most grasses require 4 to 6 hours of sun each day, your grass will look green and healthy or completely the opposite, depending on many factors.

Trees or Bushes

Grass growing in the shade often struggles due to the lack of sunlight. I’ve found that if your grass is in the shade because of trees with dense canopies, the issue isn’t just sunlight – the grass also has to compete with tree roots for water and nutrients. This can leave the grass looking thin, bare, or even non-existent.

One solution is to consider removing the trees or bushes to increase sunlight. If that’s not possible, pruning the trees by lifting the crown and thinning them can help increase light levels. Alternatively, you can create a grass-free zone around large trees with a circular bed filled with decorative shingles, pebbles, or bark. Make sure to lay down a good quality weed membrane first.

For the remaining sparse grass areas, I recommend using high-quality grass seed suitable for shaded areas. You can learn more about re-seeding in my article on Lawn Repair Advice.

Buildings or Permanent Structures

Shade Buildings or Permanent Structures

When grass is in the shade due to a permanent structure, like a house, your options are different. First, you need to understand the types of grass in your garden and which types are more likely to thrive in shady areas, as they’re often tougher and more resilient. You can find more information about this in my article on What Are The Different Types of Lawn Grass.

It’s worth considering that permanent shady areas may be better suited for other purposes, such as patios, sheds, or shade-loving plants like ferns. Two semi-evergreen varieties that thrive in dry shade are Polystichum Setiferum and Dryopteris Affinis.

In conclusion, if you’re struggling to grow grass in the shade, there are plenty of options available before resorting to artificial grass. Just remember to choose the right grass type for your situation and consider alternative landscaping options if necessary.

Growing a New Lawn

When I want to grow a new lawn in a shaded area, I select the right type of grass seed to ensure good results. It’s important to choose a blend with high content of fescue grasses, or even a 100% fescue mix, as they cope well with shade, drought, and poor nutrient levels.

To help my grass grow, I focus on soil preparation by adding compost and organic matter to improve soil structure. I also check the soil pH and adjust it if needed. When I reseed, I choose the appropriate timing, considering factors like temperature and moisture.

In addition, to protect my new lawn, I install stepping stones as a pathway to avoid foot traffic on the grass. By selecting shade-tolerant grass seed and ensuring proper soil preparation and timing, my new lawn thrives despite the challenging conditions.

Maintenance of a Lawn in the Shade

Tips to cutting your lawnMowing

To maintain a lawn in the shade, it is essential to keep the grass at a higher length, preferably around 6 cm. When mowing, avoid cutting more than 25% off the end of the grass blades, as this can stress the grass and hinder its growth. Keep an eye on the lawn’s condition and adjust your mowing frequency accordingly. Remember that too much mowing can damage the grass, so avoid cutting too often.

It is crucial that you remove all grass clippings from the lawn, as mulching would not be beneficial in shaded areas. Additionally, using a suitable mower with a sharp blade is important for maintaining a healthy lawn.

When talking about mowing it is also very important to ensure that you have a suitable mower with a sharp blade for the job. If would like to see my top rated lawn mowers with full review, divided into Cordless, Electric, Petrol and Robotic please click on easylawnmowing.co.uk

Watering

Watering Grass in the ShadeThe shaded lawn will retain moisture better due to decreased sunlight exposure. Therefore, water it less often than areas that receive more sunlight. However, avoid overwatering the lawn, as it can lead to additional problems such as shallow rooting, disease, and pests. If you need to water the lawn under trees, do so heavily, yet infrequently, to encourage deep root growth.

Feeding

The proper time to feed a shaded lawn is during autumn, just before the leaves begin to fall. Alternatively, an early spring feeding may be done before the leaves start growing. Select a feed that is high in potassium, as it is beneficial for grass growing in the shade. When applying, use half the rate suggested for areas with full sun or follow the instructions on the package.

It is worth noting that grasses that can withstand shade do not require high levels of nutrition. In fact, excessive amounts of fertiliser can be detrimental to those grasses and make it difficult for them to thrive. If using fertiliser, do so cautiously to avoid harming the grass.

Top Lawn Feed.

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Moss Control

Shade Moss Control

Moss can be a significant issue in shaded lawns since it thrives in cool, moist, and shady areas. To address moss, perform lawn maintenance tasks such as scarifying, aerating, raking, top-dressing, and seeding. These measures will target the root of the moss problem and help prevent its return.

I recommend avoiding chemical treatments for moss control, as they only offer temporary solutions and are more effective when shade is reduced. Focusing on proper lawn care techniques will ensure the health and vitality of your shaded lawn.

How to Limit Problems With a Shaded Lawn

To reduce issues with a shaded lawn, I recommend taking several steps that focus on the main elements affecting grass growth and health.

Firstly, addressing the source of shade is essential. If trees, shrubs, or hedges are casting shadows on the lawn, I suggest pruning and thinning them out to allow more natural light to reach the grass. However, if the shade comes from a permanent structure, consider adapting the area’s purpose, for example, creating a patio or replacing the grass with shade-tolerant plants like ferns.

Another vital aspect is minimising foot traffic in shaded areas. As grass is weakened by limited light, its wear tolerance is reduced, making it more susceptible to damage. Encourage alternative routes or use stepping stones to alleviate the pressure on the weakened grass.

Overseeding can help improve the coverage and health of the shaded lawn. Select shade-tolerant and hardy grass seed varieties, such as fescues, to fill in bare patches and enhance overall growth.

In shaded areas, adjusting the mowing height is necessary. Increasing the cutting height enables the grass blades to capture more light for photosynthesis, ultimately providing the plants with more energy to grow. Regularly check and maintain an appropriate mowing height to sustain grass health.

Aerate compacted soil to improve drainage and root development in shaded lawns. This process allows water, air and nutrients to penetrate the soil, boosting the root system and creating healthier grass.

Lastly, mulch can be a vital addition to shaded lawns. A layer of mulch prevents soil from drying out and retains moisture, helping the grass withstand drought conditions. Be cautious not to over-mulch as it can also cause drainage issues and diseases.

By following these recommendations, one can effectively manage and maintain a lush shaded lawn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal grass seed for areas with poor soil and shade?

In my experience, the ideal grass seed for areas with poor soil and shade is a blend of fine fescue grasses, such as creeping red fescue, chewings fescue, and hard fescue. These grass types tolerate shade and can grow in various soil conditions.

Which ornamental grasses thrive in shaded areas?

Several ornamental grasses thrive in shaded areas, including:

  • Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra)
  • Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)
  • Tufted Hair Grass (Deschampsia cespitosa)
  • Golden Sedge (Carex elata ‘Aurea’)

These grasses not only tolerate shade but also add visual interest and texture to shaded gardens.

What type of turf is suitable for shaded regions?

For shaded regions, I recommend using a shade-tolerant turf blend that may contain fine fescue grasses, such as creeping red fescue and chewings fescue, along with shade-tolerant perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass.

Which tall grasses can grow well in shade in the UK?

In the UK, some tall grasses that can grow well in shade include:

  • Wood Melick (Melica uniflora)
  • Pendulous Sedge (Carex pendula)
  • Giant Wood-Rush (Luzula sylvatica)
  • Tufted Hair Grass (Deschampsia cespitosa)

These grasses can add height and structure to shaded gardens or landscapes.

Is there an ultra-shade grass seed available?

Yes, there are ultra-shade grass seed blends available on the market. These blends are specifically designed for areas with dense shade and contain species like fine fescues, shade-tolerant perennial ryegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass, which can all tolerate limited sunlight.

How does shade-tolerant grass seed work?

Shade-tolerant grass seed works by including grass species and varieties that have adapted to grow well in low-light conditions. These grasses have more chlorophyll in each cell to help them photosynthesize efficiently even with less sunlight, and they can also have a slower growth rate, helping them conserve energy in lower light situations.


If you have any questions or would like to share your own experience with our readers please use the comment box below.

Mark Haley Author
Lawnmower Product Expert, Reviewer and Author at EasyLawnMowing.co.uk | 01284 615144 | info@easylawnmowing.co.uk | Website | + posts

As a seasoned expert in the field of garden power tools, I have dedicated over a decade to working with and reviewing a wide variety of lawn mowers. My extensive experience has allowed me to gain a deep understanding of the benefits and limitations of different types of mowers and garden tools.

Over the years, I have honed my skills in writing informative articles and creating helpful videos for various blogs and publications. This has given me the ability to not only recognise what makes a good lawn mower, but also to help you choose the perfect garden tool for your specific needs and requirements.

With my wealth of knowledge and expertise, I am confident that I can provide you with valuable insights and recommendations when it comes to selecting the right lawn mower for your lawn. So, whether you're looking for a battery cordless, electric, petrol, or robotic mower, you can trust in my expertise to guide you towards the best option for your garden.

4 thoughts on “Growing Grass in the Shade: Expert Tips for a Lush Lawn”

  1. Hey I love the look of this page very clean crisp. That being said the information is great, it’s one of those things that you over look a lot of the times you think just cut the grass. But sometimes we forget that grass is still a plant it has growth cycles and needs to be cared for properly. It’s nice to see a page out there that kind of makes you stand back and say “ya I never thought of that “. I really did enjoy the part about seeding different areas or at least that’s what I got from it. Never thought of using different types of grass seed for different portions of lawn cool idea!

  2. These are very good tips when trying to grow grass in shaded areas. The part where you talk about mold competing with the grass literally struck home with me, I currently live in Vancouver, WA and understand how annoying mold is when it gets on everything. Thank you so much for your tips and keep up the good work.

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