Most cool season turfgrasses perform best when grown
in full sun. Unfortunately, many lawns contain shady areas that
present problems for turf managers. Turfgrasses struggle in these
environments because there is reduced light and air movement, and
also, in many cases, the turf must compete with other plants for
water and mineral nutrients. The result is weak, stressed turf that
lacks traffic or disease tolerance and is often invaded by weeds
or moss.
If turf management practices are not modified for shade sites,
problems with turf quality are likely. For example, a common management
error is to fertilize turf in shade areas at the same rates suggested
for turf growing in full sun. In other cases, shaded areas are sodded
with Kentucky bluegrasses best suited for planting in full sun.
Unfortunately, many sites are simply too shady to support an acceptable
quality turf, even when "shade-tolerant" grasses are planted.
Suggestions for Producing Turf in Shaded Areas
Use shade-tolerant turfgrasses. Shade tolerance among cool season
species and cultivars varies, and is greatest in fine-leaf fescues
and least in Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrasses. Tall fescue
has intermediate shade tolerance. Within turfgrass species, there
are differences in shade tolerance.
Cultural Recommendations for Turf in Shady Areas
a) Plant shade-tolerant turfgrass species and cultivars. Keep in
mind shade tolerant does not mean the grass will grow in dense shade.
(b) Seed shade-tolerant turfgrasses during the late summer or early
autumn.
(c) Avoid over fertilizing with nitrogen (apply about half the rate
used in sun) and maintain adequate phosphorus and potassium.
(d) Mow at the highest recommended height for the turfgrass species.
(e) Reduce traffic in shaded areas. Heavy site use and shade turf
is not a combination that will work.
(f) Encourage light and air movement into shaded areas by pruning
low-growing limbs and removing shrubs. Removing trees may be the
only solution in areas where high quality turf is a priority.
(g) Don't over water turf in shady areas.
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Turf Substitutes
In shady areas incapable of sustaining
turf of acceptable quality, plant shade-tolerant ground covers (e.
g., Japanese spurge, English ivy, hosta, periwinkle, or purpleleaf
winter creeper) or use mulches such as wood chips, bark, or some
other clean, organic material. Poor soil drainage may be another
reason the turf did poorly, and it's very likely the ground cover
will have problems with poor soil drainage as well. Also be aware
that some ground covers, such as lily-of-the-valley and goutweed,
may become invasive if not contained.
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