Posted on January 3rd, 2022
The amount of shade present on your property is one of the biggest things you must consider when growing a green, lush lawn. Unfortunately, most property owners end up getting frustrated after trying and failing to grow grass in sun-deprived areas on their property. After all, sunlight is a key component in photosynthesis, an essential process for grass growth. Although they do require some form of sunlight, whether directly or indirectly, some grass varieties can tolerate shade. These varieties can thrive with only four to six hours of partial (direct sun in the morning or afternoon only) or dappled sun (filtered sunlight through leaves of trees). Consider the following shade-tolerant varieties when looking for grass that grows in shade:
Bluegrass. Although the bluegrass family is typically known for its sun-loving qualities, there are some varieties that can tolerate shade well. Rough bluegrass, specifically the Sabre cultivar, is an excellent grass for a shade that can adapt well to wet and cool conditions in shady areas. It needs minimal sunlight, around four to six hours per day, to thrive and form a reasonable amount of turf. Because of its low-temperature tolerance, this fine-textured grass variety is a popular choice in cool climates since it tends to leave bare spots when exposed to too much sun.
Fescue. Fescues are perhaps the best choice of grass for shade, thanks to their attractive qualities. Fine Fescues, specifically the Creeping red and Chewings varieties, are excellent choices for shade grass thanks to their deep roots and narrow blades that facilitate their growth in sunlight-deprived areas. Tall fescues also do well in the shade, requiring only four hours of partial or dappled sunlight to grow. Often, these varieties are blended to help them adapt better to varying soil and sunlight conditions. Ensuring proper care enhances their survival in low sunlight conditions. This includes providing adequate water and mowing high.
Ryegrass. Common types of ryegrass are notorious for being difficult to grow in shady areas because they prefer direct exposure to sunlight. In fact, their presence in seed blends is often the cause of why grass doesn’t grow under the shade. But the perennial ryegrass cultivar is an exception because it can tolerate shade very well. Unlike other ryegrass cultivars, it can thrive as shade grass, needing only four to five hours of partial sun a day. Its shade tolerance can even extend to summer if there’s a little moisture in the soil. It doesn’t do well in filtered or dappled sunlight, however.
Centipede. While centipede grass is typically a low-maintenance grass that prefers direct sunlight overshade, it can still act as a decent grass for shade. Its green cultivars Oaklawn and Tennessee Hardy can tolerate plenty of shade, thriving under six hours of partial sunlight a day. They do particularly well in shifting shade conditions similar to what you find in areas where pine trees are abundant.
St. Augustine. The Floratam cultivar of St. Augustine grass is the least shade resistant among all its cultivars, requiring six to eight hours of sunlight to grow well. In contrast, the Palmetto, Seville, and Sapphire cultivars perform decently when you use them as shade grass, requiring only four to five hours of direct sunlight per day to do well.
Zoysia. As a grass that grows in shade, Zoysiagrass doesn’t tolerate shade as well as other grass varieties. It prefers ample sunlight, requiring at least six hours of partial sun for excellent growth. However, it can still perform decently if you need grass that grows in shade, especially when you choose one of the newer cultivars, such as Diamond, Cavalier, Crowne, and El Toro. They are a good choice for turfgrass in areas with partial shade, such as near tall buildings and distant tall trees.
Growing grass in shade can be tricky, considering that grass needs sunlight to grow. Keep in mind that if your area is under full shade, even shade-tolerant species require proper care and maintenance. This includes trimming lower branches of trees growing near your lawn, increasing mowing height for higher surface area, and avoiding foot traffic in and around your lawn. If only a small region is shaded by the shadow of a tree or a huge rock, consider planting a combination of grass varieties to ensure a uniform look.
We understand that keeping your grass in optimal conditions can be a huge task. If you find that maintaining a shady lawn is challenging for you, give us a call, and we’ll be happy to help you grow a lush, green lawn. Our reputable lawn experts have extensive experience in finding suitable grass varieties that match your soil quality and level of shade. Contact us today to bring the lawn of your dreams to life!
