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Grasses are sun-loving plants, for the most part. For healthy growth, lawn grasses need at least 4 hours of direct sun a day. If they receive much traffic or wear and tear, they need a minimum of 6 hours.
In addition to being weak from lack of sun, grass in shady areas can suffer more diseases because of cool, moist conditions and lack of air circulation. Poor grass stands in shady areas are vulnerable to erosion, which can carry sediments and other pollutants into surface water.
Here are some options for coping with shady areas:
Choose the right grass. In spots that get marginal light, plant fine fescues, which are more shade-tolerant than other lawn grasses.
Grow other ground covers. Grass isn't your only choice. Consider attractive and vigorous shade-loving groundcovers such as:
- Pachysandra
- Lily of the valley
- English ivy
- Periwinkle
- Creeping myrtle
- Sweet woodruff
Plant a shade or woodland garden. There are hundreds of herbaceous perennial flowers and foliage plants that will thrive on in shade, as well as annuals such as impatiens.
Mulch around trees. If you don't have the energy to maintain a shade garden, consider using about 3 inches of wood, bark or stone mulch around the base of trees. (Don't pile mulch against the base of the tree trunk.)
Build paths. If grass grows OK in your shady areas except where people walk, put in stone, gravel or other path to concentrate wear and tear in one area and keep traffic off the rest of the grass.
Mow high. Grass in shady areas should be allowed to grow taller than grass in direct sun. Do not mow any closer than 3 inches.
Fertilize and water less. Grass in shady areas grows slowly and needs less fertilizer and water.
Let in more light. Remove lower branches and selectively prune other branches or remove whole trees to let in more light.
© Copyright, Department of Horticulture, Cornell University.
Website design: Craig Cramer cdc25@cornell.edu
Mention of trade names and commercial products is for educational purposes; no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Cornell Cooperative Extension or Cornell University is implied. Pesticide recommendations are for informational purposes only and manufacturers' recommendations change. Read the manufacturers' instructions carefully before use. Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University assumes no responsibility for the use of any pesticide or chemicals. Some of the links provided are not maintained by Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University. Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University are not responsible for information on these websites. They are included for information purposes only and no endorsement by Cornell Cooperative Extension or Cornell University is implied. Cornell Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.
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