what kind of mix for shade?

[jarroo's lawncare]

i am in need of a seed blend that grows excellent in the shade. is there any seed that you would recommend using?

[jarroo's lawncare]

a little help please

[Grassmechanic]

There is no grass that grows excellent in shade. There are several that will tolerate shade, most notably fescues. There are some KBG varieties that will tolerate shade, but they don't do as well as fescues. Most seed retailers sell a "shady" mix that will probably suit your needs.

[Precision Lawns]

We use a fescue blend in shady areas

[timturf]

We use a fescue blend in shady areas


WHAT KIND of fescue?

[baddboygeorge]

use a good fescue mix . we use triple crown elite its 3 fescues combined (rembrant, millenium 2nd edition , bosai 2000) does well in shady areas, see ya george

[timturf]

use a good fescue mix . we use triple crown elite its 3 fescues combined (rembrant, millenium 2nd edition , bosai 2000) does well in shady areas, see ya george

Well, these are all tttall fescue, at least the first two, I would use another fescue that does better in shade than ttt fescue!

[baddboygeorge]

who cares if there a tall fescue they look awesome an do well in shade thanks george

[timturf]

who cares if there a tall fescue they look awesome an do well in shade thanks george

Yes they take shade better than bluegrass, but the fine fescue will take much more shade than tall fescue. Dense shade, nothing will grow, need several hours of direct sunlight, preferrably in the morning

[Killswitch]

Thin fescues, Red Fescues......I hate them.

But.....try a blend of red fescue and perennial rye.

Of course be prepared to overseed occassionally depending on the shade density and dieback etc.

Recommend Hostas and shade loving plants around trees and to limit the amount of turf in the area.

[SPLC]

If possible, thin out the canopy of the tree. This is often overlooked by many and is perhaps the best way to get grass to grow in a shady area. More sunlight = healthier turf. If done properly, it is also good for the tree.

[timturf]

Little long, and only a partial cut and paste

Penn State College
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences - Cooperative Extension
Special Circular 149 http://turfgrassmanagement.psu.edu/shaded.cfm

The establishment and management of quality turfgrass under shaded conditions often is possible if the basic requirements for turfgrass growth are known and understood. Trees have extensive root systems (often quite shallow) that enable them to utilize huge amounts of water and nutrients, and they have dense leaves that severely restrict the light intensity under the trees. These three factors - competition for water, nutrients, and light - are the basic causes of turfgrass failure under shaded conditions. Poor drainage also contributes to poor turfgrass development in shaded areas. Poorly drained shaded areas often become infested with moss, which provides additional turfgrass competition.
Effects of shade on turfgrasses include shortened roots, reduced shoot density, erect and elongated growth of stems and leaves, decreased plant vigor, increased susceptibility to disease, and reduced wear tolerance. Environmental conditions in shade often are conducive to disease development.
In setting up a turfgrass management program every effort should be made to reduce or eliminate this competition for water, nutrients, and light and to provide adequate soil drainage.
A number of establishment and maintenance practices may improve turfgrass under trees:
 Use shade tolerant grass species and/or varieties. Fine fescues (red, Chewings, sheep, hard) and rough bluegrass (Poa trivialis) are the most shade tolerant grasses. Rough bluegrass (variety Sabre) performs best in shaded areas that are constantly moist; fine fescues prefer drier soils and do not tolerate constantly wet soils. Tall fescues may be used in areas of moderate shade, and the Kentucky bluegrass varieties Glade and Bensun tolerate light shade.

Heavy shade Fine fescues(creeping, red, Chewings, hard, sheep) or Rough bluegrass (wet conditions)

Medium Shade Fine fescues(creeping, red, Chewings, hard, sheep) or Tall fescues, or Rough bluegrass

Light Shade Fine fescues(creeping, red, Chewings, hard, sheep) or Tall fescues, or Shade tolerant Kentucky bluegrass (Glade, Bensun, their are better one's now*) or Fine fescues(creeping, red, Chewings, hard, sheep)


John C. Harper, II, Extention Agronomist.
Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research, extension, and resident education programs are funded in part by Pennsylvania counties, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

* my thoughts

[timturf]

If possible, thin out the canopy of the tree. This is often overlooked by many and is perhaps the best way to get grass to grow in a shady area. More sunlight = healthier turf. If done properly, it is also good for the tree.

I agree, very important

[nocutting]

WHAT KIND of fescue?
Since most of us are from all over, the 1 consistant thing here is the the fescue mix in your area is more than likely the best 1 for your area.....in my area its creepin red, chewing, fine 10% perrenial rye, 10% blue..............