“Shady characters”/Yard waste
During the growing season tree shade can reduce energy production in grass plants, making them weak and more susceptible to stresses and pests. The result is a thin stand of turfgrass or completely bare spot that can lead to surface water runoff.
The angle of the sun changes and increases or decreases the area that receives light.
Morning sun is best!
Consider the following:
What to do?
Raise the canopy or understory to improve air movement.
Selectively prune entire trees in group plantings. Grass needs a minimum of 4 hours of direct sunlight.
Turfgrass shade management
- Select grass species that show tolerance to shade, for example, fine fescues.
- Fertilize less often because plants in low light grow more slowly.
- Irrigate less often but more deeply to water deeper grass roots.
- Mow at the high end of the recommended mowing height for the species.
- Don’t fight Mother Nature! Consider mulching around the bases of trees with wood chips or bark mulch (to a depth of 3 inches) or planting ground covers adapted to the shade. These include pachysandra, lily of the valley, English ivy, periwinkle, creeping myrtle, or creeping mahonia.