In a perfect world, every corner of your property would get just the right amount of sunlight for your favorite plants and flowers to thrive. According to Matthew Koch, PhD, director of biotechnology, genetics, and seed at The ScottsMiracle-Gro Company, grass needs at least 3 to 4 hours of direct sunlight or 4 to 6 hours of dappled sunlight per day.
However, most yards have a mix of sunny and shaded areas and growing lush grass in the shade can be challenging, even for seasoned gardeners. But that doesn’t mean your lawn can’t be as green and vibrant as possible. While you can’t control the sun, the right plan can ensure your lawn stays healthy and green—no matter how much shade it gets.
- Mike Hrivnak, director of agronomy at Canopy Lawn Care
- Matthew Koch, PhD, director of biotechnology, genetics, and seed at The ScottsMiracle-Gro Company
- Heather Todd, brand president of Conserva Irrigation
Plant Shade-Tolerant Grass
If your yard is shady, it’s best to start off on the right foot and plant shade-tolerant grass. Dr. Koch says fescues work well in cooler climates, while zoysiagrass and other species are better suited for warmer regions.
However, if natural grass does not grow or thrive despite efforts, he suggests considering an alternative ground cover like clover, which thrives in shade.
Enrich the Soil
Mike Hrivnak, director of agronomy at Canopy Lawn Care, suggests enriching your soil for better nutrient absorption and sustainable growth. This is because shaded gardens retain water differently than those in direct sunlight, which can lead to nutrient imbalances.
“You want to enhance soil biology with active carbon, probiotics, and amino acids, ensuring nutrients are efficiently cycled and absorbed without over-fertilizing,” he says. “Slow-release, low-salt fertilizers provide steady nutrition, preventing excessive, weak growth in shaded areas.”
Invest in a Smart Controller for Your Sprinkler System
Overwatering is a major problem for all plants. Because grass in shaded areas generally needs less water, a smart controller can help. According to Heather Todd, brand president of Conserva Irrigation, smart controllers work by using your local weather data to adjust your system to match the current weather conditions.
For example, let’s say your sprinkler system is scheduled to start in the morning, but the weather forecast predicts rainfall. “Your smart controller will automatically adjust (or may even cancel) the scheduled watering that day,” Todd explains. “This takes the stress of overwatering your lawn out of your hands and gives your lawn the exact amount of water it needs.”
If you’re often overthinking watering, travel frequently, or the weather changes a lot in your location, a smart controller may be worth the investment.
Run Your Sprinkler When It’s Still Dark Out
The time of day you run your sprinkler system can impact your lawn’s health—and your water bill. Todd says that, generally, the recommended time to turn your system on is between 2 AM and 7 AM, one to two times per week.
“Watering this early in the morning gives your lawn time to absorb the water before the sun and wind cause evaporation,” she explains. “Keep in mind, this will change with the seasons.”
Don’t Keep Your Grass Too Short
Be sure to mow your lawn using the right setting—taller grass retains more energy, which helps it grow in low-light conditions. “Keep to the ⅓ rule when considering mowing height to avoid stressing the grass,” advises Dr. Koch. “Meaning you should only remove ⅓ off the top when it’s time for a trim.”
Prune Your Trees—Don’t Cut Them Down!
Great news! You don’t need to completely get rid of your trees. “Cutting down trees entirely is not necessary unless they are causing significant lawn issues or safety concerns,” Dr. Koch explains. Pruning them will suffice and is one of the best ways to allow more sunlight to reach the grass.
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