Patton Lawncare

To grow grass in the shade, a slightly lower soil pH of 5.8 to 6.2 is usually ideal. Soil cultivation and planting of fine fescue seeds such as Chewing  Fescue, Hard Fescue, or Creeping Red Fescue may be planted as a single variety as all three of these fine fescues may be planted as part of a blend along with perennial ryegrass and bluegrass seeds.

Lower nitrogen, organic starter fertilizers are the best fertilizer materials for over-seeding shady areas. Grass plants use less macronutrients in the shade because the grass grows more slowly when it is mostly shaded. The micronutrient needs of the soil should be delivered by using natural topdressing materials such as LeafGro and Compro. These materials also serve to protect the new seed when thin layer of the material is spread evenly over the top of the seed.

A key aspect of the follow up maintenance program needed for shady, fine fescue lawns is less mowing. Fine fescue grows best when fine fescue is mowed as infrequently as possible, and at the highest mowing height on a mower. The leaf blades grow long and lay over, filling in bare areas.

Quality turfgrass materials are not found at the big home improvement stores. Patton Lawncare only buys professional materials from various, local turfgrass suppliers