[sandim]

Hi all,

the motto of spring seems to be " I want a beautiful yard, plush green grass, but I have shade everywhere and don't want to take down trees."

Now mind you, I'm not a fan of recommending clients take down trees, I'm tree friendly! I try to plant what I take down. That being beside the point. I've tried some of the fescues before but they're fine and clients don't seem to like them as much?

Am I missing something here in zone 6 moss-land CT?

[TrickyDick]

The best shade blends are mixes of fescues...usually there is at least a little bluegrass or rye in there. If people are going to complain about the texture of the grass then they don't get to have any in the shade.

[VoodooChile]

Shade trees could be pruned to allow in more light. Dense canopy shade trees like Norway Maples (which should be removed) could be treated with Cambistat, a plant growth inhibitor which will reduce both the amount of foliage and its individual size for 1-2 seasons after application.

Riding mowers are hell on shade grass, due to the extra weight which causes soil compaction and the skid marks at edges and by obstacles.

Watering shade grass is also more challenging, due to the better growing conditions for fungus.

Good Luck!

[LandArts]

I'm in a different area but what i tell people is you can have shade, root competition, traffic, slope...any ONE of those things and you can establish a decent lawn. Any two of those factors and it ain't gonna happen.

[sandim]

Firstly, Tricky...I love it... if you're going to complain about the grass...you don't get any.
I didn't think I was crazy but decided to post anyway. Everyone around here has trees and roots and moss and wants an enviable lawn. I tell them it won't happen. The best we can do is limb up some trees. I guess eventually they'll listen.

Thanks!

[jshilan]

Depending on the situation, I'll spin it to the client that grass is really just a form of ground cover. Hmmm! Then I just suggest that we find a different gound cover that is more appropriate for the shadier conditions such as ivy, vinca, pachy etc.

If you do garden maintenance or if you want to sell a bigger project try suggesting a shade garden with step stones and maybe a bench. People love the word garden. You can still be lush, green and colorful, you just can't play soccer on it (well not well).

I'm gonna actually do some of my own work now.

[sandim]

Jody,

I agree completely. I love doing shade gardens. It's just hard when it's the entire lawn. Good thoughts, much appreciated!

[GLAN]

Fescue

There is a tri blend of Fescue called Rebel........that does pretty good.

The more light the better........more direct sunlight even better.