Looking For The Best Shade Tolerant Grass?
Unfortunately, not all grasses are created equal. While all varieties can thrive and become a luscious green carpet with abundant sunlight, they don’t all enjoy the same success in shaded environments.
If your property isn’t blessed with ample direct sunlight, you can still enjoy a luscious green carpet, but you’ll need to invest wisely in the best shade-tolerant grass.
In this article, we’ll explore all you need to know about shade-tolerant grass and help you make the right choice for your property. Let’s get started on this journey to a greener, healthier garden.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Shade Tolerant Turf
When it comes to selecting a shade-tolerant turf for your lawn, there are a select few varieties for you to consider that will thrive in more deprived conditions. But to make the right choice for your unique needs, you’ll need to account for a range of factors.
Selecting A Shade Tolerant Grass
Sunlight Exposure
We know that your outdoor areas don’t receive much sunlight, but you need to determine just how much shade your garden receives throughout the day. Understanding your garden’s specific light conditions and its seasonal changes is crucial because different shade-tolerant grasses have varying sunlight requirements. Generally, if your lawn does receive sun at times, at least three hours of sunlight should be sufficient. If your chosen grass for shady areas will only receive indirect sunlight, four to six hours daily will be enough to keep your turf thriving.
Foot Traffic
Consider the level of foot traffic your lawn will endure. Some grass types are more resistant to wear and tear than others. Even if your shaded lawn receives adequate sunlight, selecting a turf variety that can withstand heavy use is vital for achieving the desired results over time.
Soil Type and Drainage
The soil in your garden plays a significant role in grass growth. Different grass varieties interact differently with soil conditions. Ensure you know your soil type and its drainage properties. This knowledge will help you choose a shade-tolerant grass that thrives in your specific soil environment.
Maintenance Requirements
It’s always good to know the technical requirements, but make sure you think practically before making your final decision. Always consider the basic maintenance needs of your shade-tolerant grasses. We’re not all lawn aficionados, so make sure you select grass for shady areas with maintenance requirements that match your desired level of effort!
Mowing Maintenance
Shade Tolerant Grass Varieties to Consider
Now that you know which factors to consider, it’s time to select the best shade-tolerant grass for your needs among the many quality varieties available, each with its own distinctive advantages.
Sir Walter Buffalo Grass
A staple of Australian lawns, Sir Walter Buffalo grass is a shade-tolerant variety, built to thrive in the unique Australian climate. A warm-season grass that’s renowned for its exceptional shade and drought resistance, this turf can flourish with as little as three hours of sunlight each day. This makes it a quality grass for shady areas beneath trees and commercial properties beside tall buildings.
And remember, Sir Walter Buffalo is also extremely drought-resistant and hard-wearing, making it suitable for high-traffic areas. Its soft and comfortable texture, vibrant winter colour and minimal maintenance requirements make it a top pick for Australian homeowners.
Sir Grange Zoysia Grass
This shade-tolerant grass variety is a relatively new breed known for its adaptability to a range of various climate changes, making it well-suited to Australia’s harsh weather conditions. A soft, deep-green turf, Sir Grange Zoysia thrives in shaded areas and under trees. It is highly versatile and its fine, soft leaves and texture afford it impressive wear recovery capabilities.
Like many of the best grasses for shaded areas, it is highly resilient and requires minimal maintenance, making it an excellent option for areas with little sunlight or strict water restrictions. With Sir Grange Zoysia’s classic green tone and high drought and shade tolerance, you’ll never wonder whether the grass is greener on the other side.
Tiftuf Hybrid Bermuda Grass
For property owners looking for a resilient turf variety that thrives in shaded conditions, Tiftuf Hybrid Bermuda grass is worth considering. This grass variety exhibits remarkable adaptability, and it maintains a deep green glow in areas that experience limited sunlight. Despite its fine leaf blades, Tiftuf benefits from dense growth patterns that deliver a thick and plush carpet, making sure it is equipped to handle high traffic demands, such as that of a sports field.
Tiftuf was released after two decades of intensive research and testing, and this has resulted in an easy maintenance schedule that demands minimal time and effort. Its resistance to diseases and pests, drought tolerance and ability to thrive with minimal sunlight make it among the best choices of grass for shady areas.
Enjoying The Benefits Of A Shaded Lawn
Caring for Your Shade Tolerant Grass
Caring for your shade-tolerant grass is essential to ensure it thrives and maintains a lush appearance in areas with limited sunlight.
Water Requirements
In shaded areas, grass generally grows more slowly. Therefore, your shaded lawn requires less water compared to sun-exposed areas. Water your shaded lawn only when necessary, and monitor the soil to avoid overwatering, which can lead to sponginess and increased susceptibility to lawn disease. While rainfall may suffice during spring and autumn, be prepared to water more during the summer. Optimal watering times are in the morning to minimise heat-related evaporation.
Mowing Guidelines
Shaded lawns with slow-growing grass benefit from less frequent mowing. Set your mower slightly higher, around 50mm to 60mm. This height allows the grass to capture more sunlight when it receives direct or indirect light, promoting healthy growth.
Fertilising Needs
Grasses in shaded areas may require more fertilisation to compensate for limited sunlight, which plants use to create energy. Choose the right type of fertiliser, as grasses in shade require approximately half as much nitrogen as those in full sun. Consider adding organic matter in early spring to boost growth.
Soil Aeration and Health
Soil aeration helps maintain a healthy root system and overall grass health. It reduces soil compaction, allowing water, air, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the roots. Use a lawn aerator for this purpose. High-traffic lawns or those with clay soil may benefit from annual aeration, while sandy soil may require it every 2 or 3 years.
Soil Aeration
Invest In The Best Shade-Tolerant Grass
In your pursuit of a beautiful, shade-tolerant lawn, you’ve learned the crucial factors to consider, explored top grass varieties, and discovered essential care practices. Now, armed with this knowledge, it’s time to transform your shaded spaces into lush green havens. Work with experienced turf suppliers in Sydney to choose the shade-tolerant grass that suits your unique needs, and watch your garden flourish.
Turf Experts