While having a shaded property is ideal in the sweltering heat of the summer, it’s not the best for growing grass. Home gardeners know how hard it is to grow luscious grass under trees and other shaded areas. But before you call it quits, knowing that some grass types have no problem thriving in the shade is helpful.
If you’re dealing with patchy or bare spots on the shaded parts of your lawn, try switching to these grass types. However, the best thing you can do for your lawn is to contact a professional. A lawn care specialist can make your grass look beautiful in the sun or shade.
Best Types of Grass That Do Well in the Shade
While Bermuda grass is a popular choice for lawns in Texas, it’s not the best choice for shaded areas. These types of grass are better suited for your property if it gets less sun.
Zoysia
Many home gardeners consider zoysia, pictured above, the best grass for shade in Texas, thanks to its preference for warmer climates. Aside from its shade tolerance, it’s also resistant to many diseases and pests, making it a low-maintenance option overall. Its lush green color and soft texture make it a favorite among home gardeners in Texas.
St. Augustine
While St. Augustine grass, pictured above, is shade-tolerant, it thrives best when it receives at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily. It loves warm weather and doesn’t have a problem lasting through autumn. Additionally, unlike many other grass types and plants, St. Augustine grass doesn’t have an issue growing in sandy soil.
Tips for Growing Grass in the Shade
While the grasses mentioned are shade-tolerant, they all need some sunshine to grow. These tips can help maximize their exposure to the sun and give them the best chance of thriving.
Prune Your Trees
While trees are a beautiful addition to any garden, they could prevent sunlight from reaching your grass. But that’s nothing a little pruning can’t fix. Contact a lawn care specialist to thin out your trees without harming them. That will allow more sunlight through their canopies and reach the shaded areas of your lawn.
Give the Shaded Areas Some TLC
If you struggle to grow grass in the shade, give those areas more TLC. Aerate them regularly to reduce thatch, enhance the roots’ nutrient absorption and encourage longer and hardier roots. Regular watering is also crucial because the last thing you want is to give the grass drought stress.
That said, it’s just as important not to overwater or over fertilize. That won’t make up for the lack of sunshine. Doing so will only increase the chances of diseases and surface and groundwater pollution.
Consider Grass Alternatives
If your lawn is too shaded that even shade-tolerant grass struggles to grow, it might be time to consider a grass alternative. You can use mulch or decorative stones to fill the spaces below your trees. You can also decorate your lawn with shade-loving plants and other elements. A landscape specialist can help you with planning and execution.
Mow High
Grass leaf blades are responsible for photosynthesis and supplying the grass with energy. The larger the leaf blade area, the more light it can absorb for growth. That’s why it’s important not to mow too close to the ground.
Limit Foot Traffic
Constant foot traffic will eventually lead to compacted soil. That’s an issue because compaction causes poor drainage and flooding. If your grass lacks sunlight, having highly compacted soil will also prevent it from getting moisture and nutrients. Divert foot traffic to give your grass a chance to survive.
Contact a lawn care specialist if you struggle to grow healthy green grass in your shady Texas garden. This professional will give your lawn the best care.
Is St. Augustine or Zoysia Better for Shade?
If you’re a homeowner with a shady yard, you’re probably looking for shade-tolerant grass. While St. Augustine, pictured above, and zoysia are ideal options for Texas lawns, St. Augustine has a higher chance of thriving. Consider the following types of St. Augustine grass if your lawn is lacking in sunlight.
If you’re looking for the best St. Augustine grass variety for your lawn, let a professional help you decide. A lawn care specialist will also take care of your lawn and grow it beautifully despite the lack of sun.
Will Zoysia Grow in Full Shade?
If you’re worried you’ll never have lush grass on your shady lawn, consider growing zoysia grass. While it does best in full sun, it only needs around six hours of direct sunlight to thrive. This is significantly less than other grass types. In addition, zoysia grass is a fuss-free variety, making it a favorite among home gardeners.
One of the best perks of having zoysia grass is its slow growth rate. That means less mowing on the weekends. Their root systems also grow deeply, helping them thrive better in droughts than other grass types. However, because they grow slowly, they take a longer time to recover from heavy foot traffic.
Contact a lawn care specialist if you want to transform your lawn with zoysia grass. This lawn service professional will plant it for you and give it the best care and maintenance. You can watch your lawn thrive even if it’s not in the sunniest spot.
Contact a Lawn Care Specialist for All Your Lawn Needs
The lack of sunlight can frustrate home gardeners who dream of having a lush lawn. If you’re struggling with thinning grass, let a professional take over. A lawn care specialist can determine the ideal grass type for your property and give your lawn the care it needs to thrive.
ABC Can Keep Your Lawn Healthy and Green
Taking care of your grass can take a lot of work. If you would rather spend your weekend enjoying your yard, contact ABC Home & Commercial Services. Our lawn care team can give you that healthy green grass you’ve been looking for. We can even show you how to make your grass green year-round!
