Every year I get countless questions regarding homeowners' grass not growing under their trees. Turf grass and trees don’t typically mix well together, however it doesn’t stop people from desiring a thick patch of flawless turf under that big beautiful shade tree. Trees are naturally very competitive with the plants that grow underneath them. They have extensive root systems that compete for water, light, air space and soil nutrients. Some trees, such as black walnut, will also give off a toxic substance called juglone, that further inhibits growth. Oftentimes under trees, you will also see moss growing. Moss will not outcompete the turfgrass that is struggling to grow, however it will take advantage of the poorly drained shady soil and become established.
Tree effects on turfgrass include shortened roots, reduced shoots, decreased plant health, increased disease and insect problems, and thinner longer shoots which leads to reduced tread tolerance. Summed up, this translates to thinner, less healthy grass that can’t tolerate foot traffic.
Growing grass in shade requires different management practices than growing grass in full sun, so what can be done to help?
|
|
|
|
-
Choose shade tolerant grass species- Shade tolerant species include: Fine fescues (including creeping, red, chewings, sheep, and hard), tall fescues, and rough or supina bluegrasses. Some of these species are able to grow at low light levels, while others have increased disease tolerance, making them both ideal for growing in less than ideal conditions. Combining these shade tolerant species helps ensure that some of them will take root, survive, and thrive.
-
Fertilizer matters- Turf grown in the shade requires less fertilizer than areas grown in the sun. Nitrogen fertilizer triggers a response of vegetative growth in turfgrass. The grass needs to recover that burst of growth with energy through photosynthesis. In the shade, the lower light levels reduce photosynthesis and the plants can’t recover which leads to them becoming stressed. Apply no more than 2 lb nitrogen per 1,000 ft2 per year to turf in the shade, this is about half the typical rate. Use slow release nitrogen when available, as this will prevent the turf from growing too fast and weakening.
-
Water deeply and infrequently- Watering deeply and infrequently forces the grass to root down further in order to find water and produce more root mass. Irrigate only enough to avoid soil drought conditions. If you do need to water, be sure to water in the morning as this gives the grass a chance to dry before cooler nighttime temperatures. There is an increased chance of disease with the combination of wet turf, nighttime temperatures and ambient humidity.
- Prune the tree to let in more light and air- To allow more sunlight, prune branches that are lower than 10 ft off of the ground. This increases light and air movement, lowering disease pressure and allowing for higher rates of photosynthesis. Consider hiring a professional to prune large trees if needed.
-
Adjust mowing height and practices- The recommended cutting height for shade grass is 3-4 inches, this is a little bit higher than the 2.5-3 in on sun grown turf. Cutting the grass shorter weakens the plant by removing leaf tissue needed for photosynthesis. Never remove more than 1/3 of the total leaf height. Mulching leaf litter and clippings in the area will also help recycle nutrients naturally in the soil.
|
Spring Vegetables
The first harvest of the season is always exciting! Here are some spring vegetables you should keep your eye out for in the garden or farmers market:
Salad Greens - This includes spinach, chard, and varieties of lettuce. These are typically eaten raw in salads. Available spring and fall in Wisconsin.
Asparagus - Green asparagus is the main type, but there are also white and purple varieties available. Asparagus is available mid to late spring.
Peas - Fresh peas include garden, snow, and sugar snap peas. Garden peas have a tough pod and cannot be eaten. Peas are typically available late May.
Find more information about spring vegetables here: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/spring-vegetables/
|
Something eating your plant? Need help identifying a tree? Interested in the best way to care for your lawn? Submit your questions online!
|
|
|
|
| Kaitlin Bricco, Horticulture Educator |
|
|
|
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.
|
|
|
|
Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.
|
3365 W Brewster St | Appleton, WI 54914 US
|
|
|
|
This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
|
| |
|
|
