Here’s the problem with shade: While it blocks the sun that can fry your lawn in the hot New England summers, it also prevents your grass from producing food. Photosynthesis uses sunlight to create essential sugars that drive new, healthy turf growth. Growing grass in shady environments is no easy task, but you’ve got this! At MissionGreen, we’ve had a hand in flipping countless sad, shaded lawns into cool oases. So, let’s discuss how you can achieve a beautiful lawn regardless of the shade. Read our seven-step method for growing grass seed in your shaded Massachusetts yard.
Step 1: Assess The Shaded Areas And Remove Obstacles
First, walk around your lawn to fully understand the shade. Are tall buildings throwing too many shadows? Could relocating a shed or removing a tree make a difference? If movable obstacles block sunlight, don’t let them stop you! Even thinning tall shrubs and trees can open a fully shaded area to partial sunlight, making a big difference. Before planting a brand new lawn, find creative ways to improve sunlight exposure to your existing lawn.
Step 2: Select The Best Grass Seed For Shaded Yards
Not all seeds are equal. Some seeds grow best in full sun, like the common Kentucky Bluegrass, and should be avoided in shaded areas. But when it comes to those that thrive in the shadiness, we have options! Fine fescues take the cake for their shade resistance and ability to flourish in cooler temperatures. Most notably, the creeping red fescue is a favorite for planting in shadowy areas. In fact, the popular variety will make your yard look verdant, all while being low-maintenance. So don’t worry – several grass seeds for shade can help you achieve a plush yard without full sun.
Step 3: Prepare The Soil For Planting
Like any regular lawn seeding, shaded lawn areas need soil preparation beforehand. If you’re starting from the ground up (pun intentional), use a sod cutter to remove old and unhealthy grass. Otherwise, we recommend aerating the lawn if you’re overseeding thin areas. The small holes from aerating will help the seeds fall deeper into the soil layer and help water thoroughly soak in.
Step 4: Growing Grass Seed in Your Lawn
If you’ve picked out your shade-tolerant grass seed and prepped your lawn, you’re on the way to a lush, shaded yard! Now, it’s time to put it to the test. Grab a broadcast spreader and walk at a casual pace (about 3mph) for even seed distribution. Remember that the faster you walk, the farther and quicker the seed will be spread. Right after you seed, lightly rake the soil to settle the seeds deeper into the soil layers. Then, get excited for your shade-friendly lawn!
Step 5: Provide Necessary Care
Tending to a freshly-seeded shady lawn is a bit different from regular lawn care. For one, shaded soil needs less water since it doesn’t have direct sunlight to evaporate the moisture. Be careful about overwatering, or you might find lawn mushrooms and moss throwing a party. So, lightly water your lawn to keep the seeds hydrated but not overwatered. Ensure the area also gets minimal traffic from your family or pets since moist, shaded soil can compress easily and damage the delicate new seedlings. Soon enough, you’ll have thriving young turfgrass!
Step 6: Encourage More Sunlight If Possible
As your seed develops into a dense lawn, it’s still important to occasionally assess the area. Every few weeks, ask yourself, “Can I sneak in more sunlight?”. While you might’ve trimmed back trees and bushes before planting, they will fill in over time. So, make sure to kick out any vegetation that blocks sunlight.
Step 7: Adjust Your Care To The Local Massachusetts Climate
New Englanders know the drill – one week, it’s balmy and sunny, the next, it’s cloudy and downpouring! For the best results in growing grass seed in a shaded yard, we recommend keeping up with the changing weather to adjust your lawn care accordingly. When grey skies and rainy weather come in, pause your watering that week because you’re getting hands-off watering, anyway! Then, when the July heat threatens to dry up your grass, increase your watering a bit more in the shaded areas.
Beat The Shade With Lawn Care Advice From MissionGreen!
MissionGreen has seen it all: From full-sun yards to sunless properties, we’ve helped New England homeowners achieve their dream lawn for over 30 years! Contact us today for a FREE quote on eco-friendly lawn care that transforms your yard, working in harmony with nature.