When you picture a lawn, you probably picture a sun-drenched expanse of luxurious green grass. But sometimes, your yard is shaded by mature trees. Or it can be located on the northern side of your house, so it gets shade almost all the time. A shady yard can be a hidden asset, however, as each summer seems to be hotter than the last.
You don’t need to forego the thick carpet of grass if your yard is largely located on the shady side of your home. You may be wondering what type of grass to plant for a shady yard. There are a few things to consider when choosing a grass for a shady yard, including the amount of shade, the soil type, and your climate.
When choosing a grass for a shady yard, it is important to consider the amount of shade the yard receives. Some grasses, such as zoysia grass, can tolerate full shade, while others, such as Kentucky bluegrass, prefer partial sun or full sun. It is also important to consider the soil type. Some grasses, such as fine fescue, prefer sandy soil, while others, such as creeping red fescue, prefer loamy soil.
Once you have chosen a grass, it is important to prepare the soil before planting. The soil should be well-drained and free from weeds. You may need to add sand or compost to improve the drainage. After the soil is prepared, you can plant the grass seed. Be sure to follow the directions on the seed packet. Water the grass regularly, especially during the first few weeks after planting.
Here are some of the best grass types for shady yards:
Zoysia grass
Zoysia grass is a warm-season grass that tolerates shade well. It is also tolerant to drought and resistant to pests and diseases. It only needs about three hours of sunlight per day, so it’s an apt choice for yards that are in the partial shade.
Fine-blade zoysia does best in the deeper shadows. Avoid the slower growing varieties as they might get choked out by faster-growing, shade-loving weeds. You can grow zoysia in subtropical climates, but it does best with heat and humidity.
Fine fescue
Fine fescue is a cool-season grass that is also shade-tolerant. It is a good choice for yards that get partial sun or full shade. Fine fescue’s drawback, however, is that it tolerates shade but not a lot of traffic.
There are several types of fescue, like tall fescue, red fescue and Chewings fescue. The “fine” of the fine fescue refers to the slimness of its blades, which make them especially adaptable to partially shady areas.
Creeping red fescue
Another type of fine fescue that is great in a yard that gets mostly shade is creeping red fescue, a cool-season grass that is very low-maintenance. It is a good choice for yards that get full shade. Mix this variety with other shade-tolerant seeds to cover the most unsightly bald patches in your shaded lawn.
The deep roots of both fine fescue and creeping red fescue make them excellent candidates for shadowy lawns. Both fescues can be more slow-growing than others, but they are tops for staying green in darkened corners.
Kentucky bluegrass
Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-season grass that is popular for its deep green color. It does not tolerate shade as well as other grasses, but it can be grown in partial shade. With about four to five hours of partial sunlight, rough bluegrass will cover the patchiness of your shadowed areas.
There are a few different types of bluegrass, but rough bluegrass is the one that performs the best in particularly shadowy areas. Since bluegrass is a cool-season variety, it doesn’t do well in intense summer heat.
Perennial ryegrass
Perennial ryegrass is a cool-season grass that is fast-growing and easy to seed. It is a good choice for yards that get full sun or partial shade. It needs about four hours of direct sun, so dappled sunlight doesn’t work as well. If you experience temps that regularly rise above 90˚ in the summer, you should go for another option as this perennial will not tolerate excessive heat. Temperatures between 70˚ to 80˚ for ryegrass soil conditions are ideal.
Here are some additional tips for growing grass in a shady yard:
- Aerate the soil regularly to improve drainage.
- Mulch around the grass to help retain moisture.
- Water the grass deeply and infrequently.
- Fertilize the grass according to the directions on the fertilizer label.
- Mow the grass regularly to keep it healthy and looking its best.
With proper care, your grass will thrive in your shady yard. You simply need to make sure you understand what type of light your lawn is getting, and whether you live in a warm-season or cool-season zone.
If you need a professional to help you with shady grass types and consistent watering schedules, along with aeration, fertilizing and mulching, or anything else you lawn needs, contact At Home Pros today. With a little care and attention, you can have a beautiful, lush lawn, even in a shady yard.