Planting Grass Seed for Shade
When planting grass seed for that new lawn, our plan is to have that grass as green as possible and hope it grows densely and strongly for years to come. One of the most basic inputs in achieving this goal is sunlight and plenty of it. Grass, like all plants, demand energy from sunlight to maintain proper growth and managing and growing grass in shade can certainly be a challenge.
Causes of Shade
Shade is often a result of all kinds of things such as a tree, large bushes, fences, or structures. Structures like buildings and fences not only reduce sunlight but also air flow which will keep the grass and soil moist increasing relative humidity helping to make your grass more acceptable to disease and pest invasion. Grasses in shaded areas give you grass blades which are elongated and also a thinner turf grass.
Choose the Right Grass Seed
When planting grass inside a shady area make sure you decide on a grass variety which is equipped with good shade and disease tolerance. This is a vital step when attemping to beat shady areas. Grass seed selection! Fine fescue has got the highest shade tolerance, however, when you are located in a location like Florida, fine fescue is not really a solution because it is a cold season grass. If wanting a warm season grass variety that's shade tolerant, St. Augustine grass is about your only choice. Tall fescue grass has decent shade tolerance and Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass varieties are considered to possess fair shade tolerance.
When to Plant Grass in Shade
A thick stand of grass isn't going to grow well in low light so if planting grass seed in shade it's always best to plant during the fall when tree foliage is gone and plant with a lower seed rate. Normal seed rates in shady areas results in way too many grass plants to result in a negative establishment.
Managing Shade
If your shade area receives lower than four hours of sunlight a day, you can expect your grass not to grow wonderfully. (Even shade tolerant varieties have their own limits.) For that reason, do away with any unwanted trees or thin them out as far as possible. You will need to mow your grass higher (3-4 inches) in shaded areas and in addition avoid watering while in the late afternoon and evening hours. Try to limit traffic wherever possible and you should not go crazy with excessive fertilizer applications.
Causes of Shade
Shade is often a result of all kinds of things such as a tree, large bushes, fences, or structures. Structures like buildings and fences not only reduce sunlight but also air flow which will keep the grass and soil moist increasing relative humidity helping to make your grass more acceptable to disease and pest invasion. Grasses in shaded areas give you grass blades which are elongated and also a thinner turf grass.
Choose the Right Grass Seed
When planting grass inside a shady area make sure you decide on a grass variety which is equipped with good shade and disease tolerance. This is a vital step when attemping to beat shady areas. Grass seed selection! Fine fescue has got the highest shade tolerance, however, when you are located in a location like Florida, fine fescue is not really a solution because it is a cold season grass. If wanting a warm season grass variety that's shade tolerant, St. Augustine grass is about your only choice. Tall fescue grass has decent shade tolerance and Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass varieties are considered to possess fair shade tolerance.
When to Plant Grass in Shade
A thick stand of grass isn't going to grow well in low light so if planting grass seed in shade it's always best to plant during the fall when tree foliage is gone and plant with a lower seed rate. Normal seed rates in shady areas results in way too many grass plants to result in a negative establishment.
Managing Shade
If your shade area receives lower than four hours of sunlight a day, you can expect your grass not to grow wonderfully. (Even shade tolerant varieties have their own limits.) For that reason, do away with any unwanted trees or thin them out as far as possible. You will need to mow your grass higher (3-4 inches) in shaded areas and in addition avoid watering while in the late afternoon and evening hours. Try to limit traffic wherever possible and you should not go crazy with excessive fertilizer applications.
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For much more useful tips and detailed information on planting grass seed, grass fertilizer, grass seed types, and just about everything you need to know about planting grass for your home state, visit the Planting Grass Seed Center today!
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