Can Grass Grow in Shaded Areas?

Yes, you can grow grass in shaded areas but this can be difficult to acheive and maintain.

Shade is one of the biggest problems in domestic lawns as it encourages moss and weeds to establish easier as they need less sunlight than grass to thrive.

Grass needs sunlight to photosynthesise which is the process in which the plant produces energy through the green chlorophyll cells in the leaves of the plant.

What is the best shade tolerant grass species?

Without getting too technical we have found the best shade tolerant grass species are Bentgrass and Tall fescue as the root depth on Tall fescue is quite long. However, don’t think for one minute that just because you have the right grass type that this will solve all your shaded area grass growth problems. There are some major factors that come into play.

Bentgrass is used alot on Golf Courses and fine, ornamental lawns. It requires alot of watering and maybe ideal your attempting to grow grass in a damp shaded area.

Fescue thrives in dry areas in shade. If the seed is mixed with your exisiting lawn it can act as a good filler for gaps to discourage weed and moss growth as it will reseed the same time as your existing lawn is growing.

How to grow grass in shaded areas?

• Monitor the ammount of sunlight that the shaded area gets over on a sunny day and make a note. Generally shaded areas will require a significant ammount of direct sunlight to thrive.
• Research shade tolerant grass types – typically bent grass and fescue
• Worl the seed into the ground and cover lightly with fine compost to stop birds feeding and to absorb the moisture. We can provide a lawn overseeding service for you if you wish.
• Keep the area moist but not saturated to establish seed growth and germination.

If you are not sure how to grow grass in shaded areas we would be more than happy to come out see you and provide a Free Lawn Analysis.

Things you need to consider:

• How much light does the shaded area get? the plant will not develop properly if at all if there is minimum sun.
• Are there any trees or shrubs within the shaded area? Obviously once again light and water reduction from tree roots could starve the lawn of vital nutrients.
• Lawn Cutting height – This is important. In shaded areas keep the cutting height up to around 2 to 2.5 inches (UK) to stop thinning.
• Ensure you regularly remove lawn debris like leaves as this will starve the plant of light and will promote fungus like red thread.
• If you notice the grass thinning each year then this will normally be an indication that you will always have problems growing grass in your shaded areas however, before you give up contact us as it may be something you are over looking.
• Soil Type is vital for seed growth or most plants in general. If you are unsure of what soil type you have read this article on soil types and simple soil tests.

Every lawn is different but if  you suffer from shade then we would love to come and advise you as to what the best solution is.

HELPFUL TIP: If you cannot reduce the shade then perhaps a more suited grass species might help. Speak to your crewman for advice.