TURF TIP
3/24/06

Turfgrass Does not Perform Well in the Shade (Period)

We have received a ton of calls in the last week about improving shaded lawns. Following is a summary about shaded lawns:

1.  Turf does not perform well in the shade
    “Shade-adapted“ grass species and cultivars will always perform better in full sun compared to shade (regardless of what the label states)
    As trees mature, turf will get weaker and weaker under the increasingly thick shade
    Extremely difficult summers (like 2005) will cause even more damage under shade than in full sun
    Moss is an indication that there is not enough sun
    Pruning trees to increase light penetration should occur annually (but that’s only marginally effective anyway)
    You’re better off planting shade-loving ornamentals as opposed to battling non-performing turf
    Hosta, periwinkle, and many other ornamentals will perform well in shade

There is more information available in our publication “Improving Lawns in the Shade” at http://www.agry.purdue.edu/turf/pubs/ay-14.pdf

A better reference is “Landscape Plants for Shady Areas” at http://www.hort.purdue.edu/hort/ext/Pubs/HO/HO_222.pdf

Zac Reicher, Professor/Turfgrass Extension Specialist

Send corrections, suggestions, and comments to biehlj@purdue.edu