Trees are a beautiful part of landscaping, but can make growing a plush, green lawn difficult. If part of your lawn is in heavy shade, it will need special care. Inadequate sunlight reduces photosynthesis, the process that produces food for the plant. Without this natural food, the lawn becomes very weak. Heavily shaded turf is extremely sensitive to damage from diseases, as well as compaction and competition from tree roots. In order to care for your shaded grass areas, follow these simple rules:
- Keep mower set to its highest setting all year
- Mow frequently
- Remove (or clean up) leaves weekly in the fall and as needed during the winter
- Water heavily – but infrequently – to maintain healthy growth
- Water only between 2:00 AM–6:00 AM (or 11:30 AM-1:30 PM) during hot/humid weather
- Plant shade-tolerant grasses, such as creeping red fescue or tall fescue
- Seed in the early fall or apply dormant seeding
- Seed shady areas in the early spring, if needed
- Prune lower branches and selectively prune upper branches to let in more sunlight
- Consider a ground cover, shade tolerant plants such as hosta, or mulch as a turf alternative
If you have questions about the best options for your lawn, please do not hesitate to call Martz Bros. Lawn Care at (913) 798-9333.
