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Planting Grass for Shade

When planting grass seed for that new lawn, our plan should be to have that grass as green as possible and hope that it grows densely and vigorously for several years ahead. One of the most important inputs in achieving this goal is sunlight and lots of it. Grass, like every plants, demand energy from sunlight to take care of proper growth and managing and growing grass in shade is definitely a challenge.

Causes of Shade

Shade could be brought on by all kinds of things just like a tree, large bushes, fences, or structures. Structures like buildings and fences don't just reduce sunlight but additionally air flow which will keep the grass and soil damp increasing relative humidity helping to make your grass more acceptable to disease and pest invasion. Grasses in shaded areas give you grass blades that are elongated together with a thinner turf grass.

Choose the Right Grass Seed

When planting grass within a shady area you'll want to pick a grass variety that's equipped with good shade and disease tolerance. This is the most important step when attemping to overcome shady areas. Grass seed selection! Fine fescue has got the highest shade tolerance but if you are located in a location like Florida, fine fescue isn't really a solution since it is a cold season grass. If hunting for a warm season grass variety that's shade tolerant, St. Augustine grass is about your only solution. Tall fescue grass has decent shade tolerance and Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass varieties are considered to possess fair shade tolerance.

When to Plant Grass in Shade

A thick stand of grass won't grow well in low light so if planting grass seed in shade it is wise to plant during the fall when tree leaves are gone and plant at a lower seed rate. Normal seed rates in shady areas creates way too many grass plants to result in an unsatisfactory establishment.

Managing Shade

In the event your shade area receives lower than four hours of sunlight daily, expect your grass not to grow well. (Even shade tolerant varieties have their limits.) Thus, take away any unnecessary trees or thin them out wherever possible. You will want to mow your grass higher (3-4 inches) in shaded areas and likewise avoid watering in the late afternoon and evening hours. Try to limit traffic whenever possible and do not go crazy with excessive fertilizer applications.

Article Source: GardenGap.com

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