How to Grow Grass Easily in Shady Locations
- 1). Purchase a grass seed that is tolerant of shade. According to the University of Iowa, some of the best shade tolerant grasses for cool climates are hard fescue, creeping red fescue and chewings fescue. In warmer southern climates, choose centipede or zoysia grass seed.
- 2). Prune off overhanging tree branches to allow some sunlight into the area, which will make growing grass easier. Use a pole saw for small limbs and a ladder and handsaw for thicker limbs. According to the Seedland website, you should remove 35 percent of the lower tree limbs for the best light penetration.
- 3). Wait until late summer or mid-spring to plant the grass seed in the shady location.
- 4). Rake the area to a 1/2-inch depth using a wide-toothed rake to loosen the soil in preparation for planting.
- 5). Spread the grass seeds in an even layer over the soil surface at the rate specified on the grass seed package.
- 6). Rake the entire area again lightly with the rake to work the newly planted grass seeds into the soil.
- 7). Water the soil in the shady location until the top 1/2 inch of soil is wet. Water at least once per day with an additional 1/2 inch of water until the grass seeds germinate.
Source...