How To Grow Grass In The Shade

Many people dream of a lush green garden with trees towering overhead, providing a nice shade in the summertime. But what they don't realize is that the nice shade is also what's preventing the lawn from growing properly. In fact, it can be very challenging to grow grass in the shade.

Grass Needs Sunlight to Grow

Like all vegetation, grass plants need sunlight to grow. Even shade-tolerant grass varieties need some sunlight. So, if you have very dense tree foliage that completely covers an area throughout the day, it's very unlikely you'll be able to grow grass in that area.

However, if the shaded area in your yard is able to get sunlight for even part of the day, you can grow grass by following some guidelines.

Steps to Growing Grass in the Shade

First, plant grass seeds that are of the shade-tolerant variety. Fine fescue, Raleigh, Palmetto or Bitterblue are examples of shade-tolerant grass. Choose the one that's more suitable for the climate in your area.

Second, trim and thin your trees so that more sunlight can come through. Remember, even the most shade-tolerant grass need some sunlight. Giving your grass the sunlight it needs is necessary for its survival.

Third, keep the ground free from accumulated leaves, pine needles and other lawn debris. Removing that layer of buildup will prevent the grass from being smothered, inhibiting its growth.

Fourth, when mowing, set the cutting height to its highest setting. The less you cut, the more leaf surface you have to soak in the sunlight. Also, do not mulch the lawn clippings. Again, you don't want to cover the lawn surface with unnecessary debris that can block its light source.

Fifth, you need to water and fertilize the shaded areas. Because the shaded areas are competing for valuable nutrients, especially those close to the tree roots, you want to make sure they are getting enough water. Also, make sure that you do not over-fertilize the shaded areas since they have different fertilizing requirements than the non-shaded areas.

Sixth, for obvious reasons, do not use weed killers when trying to grow grass in the shade.

And finally, reduce the amount of foot traffic in this area.

By following the above guidelines, you can grow grass in the shade. You need to give your yard more TLC when trying to grow grass in a sunlight-deprived environment. But if you're patient, you will be rewarded with a lush lawn even under the most difficult of circumstances.

By: Mike C. Palmer

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Mike C. Palmer is a lawn and garden enthusiast. He blogs about lawn care tips, writes in-depth reviews on lawn mowers, and reveals where to purchase lawn mowers for up to 57% off! Go here to read hundreds of unbiased reviews and complaints about lawn mowers, including those recommended by Consumer Reports => www.tigerfdn.com/consumer-reports-recommended-lawn-mowers.