Unless you live on a golf course, chances are your lawn has areas that are shaded. Trying to grow grass in these shady spots can be frustrating, especially since sunlight is essential for plant growth. However, there are grass species that are photosynthesis-efficient and can thrive in partial sun. In this article, we will explore the best grasses for shade and how to successfully grow them in your lawn.
6 Types of Grass That Grow in Shade
The following grasses are known to flourish in shaded areas:
- St. Augustine (warm season): Varieties like Sapphire, Bitter Blue, Palmetto, and Seville can thrive with as little as four hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Centipede (warm season): Oaklawn and Tennessee Hardy are shade-tolerant cultivars that can make do with about six hours of partial sun daily.
- Zoysia (warm season): This grass requires as little as three hours of direct sunshine, making it suitable for lawns with partial shade. Fine-blade Zoysia varieties are ideal for shady spots.
- Fescue (cool season): Thanks to its deep roots, fescue can thrive with only four hours of dappled sun. Fine fescue, tall fescue, red fescue, and Chewings fescue are all shade-tolerant.
- Perennial ryegrass (cool season): This cultivar can succeed with four hours of full sun daily.
- Rough bluegrass (cool season): Although it only requires four hours of dappled sunlight daily, rough bluegrass may not survive intense summer heat.
Other shade-tolerant warm-season grasses include bahiagrass, carpetgrass, and bermudagrass. Cool-season grasses such as bentgrass and certain Kentucky bluegrass cultivars are also shade-tolerant.
How to Grow Grass in Shade
Now that we know the best grass for shaded areas, let’s explore the secrets of nurturing it to create a lush and green lawn.
Size up your shade
Different grass species have varying sunlight requirements. Even the most shade-tolerant grasses need a minimum of three to four hours of direct sun or four to six hours of partial or dappled sun daily. Observe your lawn at different times to determine how much sun the shaded areas receive. If certain spots are starved of sunlight, consider removing lower branches from trees to allow more light to filter through.
Plant the right mix of seed
To grow grass in shade, start with the best mix of seed. Many grass seed companies offer mixed bags designed for different shade levels. A “dense shade” mix is suitable for lawns that consistently receive no more than four to six hours of filtered sun daily. Choosing a mix of species rather than a single shade-tolerant grass can result in a nicer-looking lawn that blends well with the rest of your yard.
Click with your climate
Grass species can be categorized into cool season, warm season, and transition grasses. The choice depends on your region’s climate. Cool-season grasses thrive in regions with freezing winters and hot summers, where temperatures during the growing season range between 65 and 80 degrees F. Warm-season grasses are ideal for the lower Southeast and Southwest, where growing-season temperatures range between 80 and 95 degrees F. The transition zone, found across the country, can support both warm-season and cool-season grasses.
Manage mowing in shady spots
Adjust your mower to leave the grass taller in shaded areas. Longer blades can absorb more sunlight, even in shade. Additionally, longer grass blades are more resistant to stress and fungal diseases. Cut no more than the top one-third of the grass, and ensure that your mower blades are sharp for a clean cut that promotes strong grass.
Water the right way
Grass in shaded areas tends to retain moisture more than sun-drenched areas, so it requires less water. Overwatering shaded grass can lead to fungal diseases. Water shaded areas less frequently, preferably in the morning. However, grass under trees may need more attention as it competes with tree roots for water, nutrients, and oxygen. Trimming lower tree branches can allow more water to reach the grass.
Pump up the potassium
In terms of fertilizer, shaded areas require less nitrogen and more potassium than sun-exposed areas. Nitrogen makes plants more succulent and vulnerable to fungal issues. On the other hand, potassium enhances tolerance and boosts disease immunity.
Reduce stress and add density
Minimize traffic and trampling in shaded spots to reduce stress on the grass. Less activity in these areas will help maintain the thickness and lushness of the grass. Additionally, consider overseeding in the fall to add density to the lawn in low-light conditions.
By following these tips, you can successfully grow and maintain a beautiful lawn, even in the shade. Enjoy a vibrant, green space that brings joy to your home.