One of the biggest challenges for gardeners, homeowners, and landscapers is getting grass to grow under shade trees.
Grass needs sunlight for energy to grow and sunlight on the ground is limited or non-existent under trees because of their dense canopy. Tree roots also compete with lawns and other plants for water and nutrients. Usually, the trees win because of extensive root systems. It is possible to grow grass in the shade – if you follow three simple steps
1. Limb up the Tree
Consult with a certified arborist to see if the lower limbs of the tree can be removed. That will allow more light to hit the ground. An arborist should be able to thin the crown of the tree to allow more light on the ground.
2. Grass Seed
Buy the best shade-tolerant grass seed you can. Ryegrass and fine and tall fescues are cool-season grasses that do well in Washington, and both will grow without much sun. Follow the label directions on sowing, watering, fertilizing, mowing, and other care.
Soil prep is a must for seeding new lawns or overseeding in bare areas. Be prepared to water newly seeded spots for about 20 minutes, twice a day, until seeds germinate. Continue daily watering until the grass is 4 to 6 inches tall and is mowed for the first time.
Premium grass seeds on the market are “smart.” They are coated with a substance that keeps them from drying out when germinating and a bit of fertilizer to help with initial growth. You want to choose the best grass type for your home and sow the seed in late fall or early spring, before trees leaf out, allowing the grass to take hold. Be prepared to spread seeds every year in spring in those shady areas of grass.
3. Sod
If the area is small, consider sod, which are mats of turf grass already growing. Although more expensive than grass seed, the result is instantaneous. Laying sod requires about the same soil preparation as sowing grass seed. You’ll also have to water the sod twice a day for 20 minutes, until established, or about two months. Over time, the sodded area may begin to thin out because of low light and need overseeding.
Although it’s possible to grow grass under shade trees, you may want to consider some easy-to-grow alternatives under those shade trees.
Shade Friendly Grass Alternatives
Lilyturf and sedges are popular, low-growing grass-like alternatives to turf grass. Lilyturf (Liriope spp.) is an evergreen, shade-tolerant perennial with new growth that quickly camouflages older growth. You can trim back Lilyturf in early spring, but it’s not necessary. It has a spike of blue and lavender flowers in late summer, followed by shiny black berries for fall and winter interest.
Several sedges are native grasses adaptable to shade or sun, dry or wet soil. Some are evergreen for winter interest. Sedges are low to no-maintenance because new growth camouflages old.
Shade-Tolerant Perennials
At the top of this list is Hosta, a leafy, low maintenance perennial that shoots up summer spikes of lavender or white flowers, sometimes fragrant. Once established, hostas are fairly drought-tolerant. They come in dozens of leaf patterns.
Coral bells are another good option for planting under a shade tree. They’re prized for their leaf colors, which frequently change as the native perennials move through the season.
It is possible to have a green lawn, even under a huge shade tree, but sometimes you have to improvise. Just remember to keep the mower away from the ground covers and native grasses.
About the Author
Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp is an award-winning garden writer, editor, and speaker. (She speaks at libraries, garden clubs, public gardens, home and garden shows, Master Gardener groups, and horticulture industry events.) Known as a hortiholic, she frequently says her eyes are too big for her yard. She blogs at hoosiergardener.com.
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