shady lawn

[Anonymous]

Small backyard isn't full shade by any means, but we have a large tree that shades a lot of it - so filtered light, I guess (with some places that get more sun). The lawn has been largely neglected over the years (we moved in a couple years ago, it was neglected then and we're just now getting around to dealing with the backyard), the grass is patchy, and trying to figure out what to do. Typical northern VA clay soil. Would microclover work in these conditions? We plan to seed this spring to try to get some more coverage, but I'm not convinced grass is going to suddenly grow all lush. Should we use both grass and microclover seed? Are there alternatives I'm not considering (that is still usable, we can't turn it into a huge wildflower garden). Our front lawn also doesn't get a ton of sun, grass is decent there with some microclover mixed in (although we seeded some bare spots in the fall and those have only grown so-so).

[Anonymous]

There are a huge number of native grasses that would thrive in the conditions you describe. Not only are they good for wildlife, they're also low maintenance. Native grasses tend to have deep roots and stabilize slopes more effectively than lawn grasses, and because they have long roots don't need as much water. They also tend to not need regular mowing.

https://mtcubacenter.org/trials/carex-for-the-mid-atlantic-region/

Your initial costs might be higher (you can find plugs, usually), but long-term, they are much lower maintenance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are a huge number of native grasses that would thrive in the conditions you describe. Not only are they good for wildlife, they're also low maintenance. Native grasses tend to have deep roots and stabilize slopes more effectively than lawn grasses, and because they have long roots don't need as much water. They also tend to not need regular mowing.

https://mtcubacenter.org/trials/carex-for-the-mid-atlantic-region/

Your initial costs might be higher (you can find plugs, usually), but long-term, they are much lower maintenance.

Thanks! These are the kind of grasses that I see planted in clumps in flowers beds everywhere, right? I'm not opposed to that, but kids do like to kick a soccer ball around which might be challenging if we go that route.

[Anonymous]

If you're going to attempt seeding, grab a soil test kit from the county. Send it off to Virginia Tech and then follow the results they give. We did this last year for our shady spot in NOVA. We had to apply a good amount of lime then we seeded in the fall. So far its looking good but its an ongoing process. Seeding is much better in the fall.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you're going to attempt seeding, grab a soil test kit from the county. Send it off to Virginia Tech and then follow the results they give. We did this last year for our shady spot in NOVA. We had to apply a good amount of lime then we seeded in the fall. So far its looking good but its an ongoing process. Seeding is much better in the fall.

This is great info, thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are a huge number of native grasses that would thrive in the conditions you describe. Not only are they good for wildlife, they're also low maintenance. Native grasses tend to have deep roots and stabilize slopes more effectively than lawn grasses, and because they have long roots don't need as much water. They also tend to not need regular mowing.

https://mtcubacenter.org/trials/carex-for-the-mid-atlantic-region/

Your initial costs might be higher (you can find plugs, usually), but long-term, they are much lower maintenance.

Thanks! These are the kind of grasses that I see planted in clumps in flowers beds everywhere, right? I'm not opposed to that, but kids do like to kick a soccer ball around which might be challenging if we go that route.

The clumping grass like things you see everywhere is Liriope. Not the same thing. If you read through the link posted, several are mentioned as lawn substitutes. I believe they also evaluated how well they hold up to foot traffic.

Regardless of what you plant, the kids have to stay off it for a few months while it gets established. You may need to tackle it in portions so there is a space for kids but also one where the plants are left alone to get established.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are a huge number of native grasses that would thrive in the conditions you describe. Not only are they good for wildlife, they're also low maintenance. Native grasses tend to have deep roots and stabilize slopes more effectively than lawn grasses, and because they have long roots don't need as much water. They also tend to not need regular mowing.

https://mtcubacenter.org/trials/carex-for-the-mid-atlantic-region/

Your initial costs might be higher (you can find plugs, usually), but long-term, they are much lower maintenance.

Thanks! These are the kind of grasses that I see planted in clumps in flowers beds everywhere, right? I'm not opposed to that, but kids do like to kick a soccer ball around which might be challenging if we go that route.

The clumping grass like things you see everywhere is Liriope. Not the same thing. If you read through the link posted, several are mentioned as lawn substitutes. I believe they also evaluated how well they hold up to foot traffic.

Regardless of what you plant, the kids have to stay off it for a few months while it gets established. You may need to tackle it in portions so there is a space for kids but also one where the plants are left alone to get established.

Thank you for the extra information, I really appreciate it!

[Anonymous]

This might be of interest to you.

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