We all know that grass seems to thrive in the summer months when the sun is shining. We know that because we have to spend all our spare time lawn mowing.

However, you may be asking whether it’s possible for grass to thrive without sun. Well, as it turns out, there are some shade-tolerant grass types in NZ that could be worth your attention.

Tall Fescue

If you have a shady patch of dirt on your property, you may think that no type of grass will grow there. Quite the opposite is true; you simply need to choose the right grass. Tall fescue might be it.

Tall fescue does tolerate full sun, but it’s also just as comfortable in the shade. Out of all cool-season lawn types, it also has some of the best drought tolerances.

Many homeowners love tall fescue for how many different environments in which it seems to thrive. It will tolerate being without water, yet it’s also more than happy with extended periods of rain. It can also survive frosts and isn’t too picky about the pH of your soil.

 

Zoysia

As long as your soil pH is between 5.5 and 6.5, you may be surprised at just how well zoysia grass grows on your shady property. While it does prefer warmer climates, it’s a reasonably robust grass species that holds its own in a variety of conditions.

Busy homeowners will love that it requires less mowing than other grass types and that it feels incredibly soft underfoot. Compared to other grass varieties, it’s also far less invasive. This is good news for avid gardeners trying to stop grass from taking over their flower beds.

Zoysia is low maintenance, drought-tolerant, and also thrives in sun and moderate shade. The only thing you may not like about this grass is that it can go brown over winter. Although, it more than makes up for it by being a brilliant shade of green in summer.

 

Kikuyu

Many homeowners have a love-hate relationship with their Kikuyu. On the one hand, it thrives in the shade and doesn’t have high sun requirements. On the other, it’s a spreader. It can quickly take over gardens and create new lawns you never asked for. 

In saying that, its pros far outweigh its cons. Kikuyu suits yards that see a lot of traffic – like the kids kicking around a ball or dogs doing zoomies. It recovers quickly and rarely needs any kind of maintenance in the form of fertilizing or watering.

As long as you give it firm boundaries, this NZ shade-tolerant grass type could be worth a closer look.

 

Soft-Leaf Buffalo

Even the most shade-tolerant grass types have nothing on soft-leaf buffalo – a softer, more attractive grass than traditional buffalo. This blue-tinged beauty is ideal for fully shaded patches of earth, even those with light, sandy, alkaline soils.

It doesn’t have the best drought tolerance compared to some other grass types, but it more than makes up for it by thriving in some challenging conditions.

 

Kentucky Bluegrass

Even though Kentucky bluegrass can be quite a stiff, coarse type of grass, it’s a preference for many homeowners in NZ battling shady yard conditions. It forms a dense root mat and doesn’t seem to be phased by most weather conditions.

In fact, because it comes from America, it has adapted to most weather conditions. It prefers cool, dry winters and hot, dry summers but will likely thrive with anything you throw its way.

 

Ryegrass

If you’ve been to any sports field throughout Australasia, you likely would have seen ryegrass. It’s a beautiful, dark green grass type that is perhaps one of the most ‘showy’ you’ll find.

Even though it requires regular watering and nitrogen, it’s undoubtedly a robust grass type that may handle some shady conditions. It can also bounce back from abuse relatively well.

 

Alternatives to Grass

If you don’t want to deal with lawn mowing, watering, and fertiliser, consider opting for shade plants instead. There are a number of plant types that thrive in the shade, which means you don’t have to sow new grass seed after all.

Consider climbers like star jasmine and ferns such as hen and chicken fern. These flourish in shady and damp conditions while looking attractive no matter where they grow.

 

How to Make Your Shade-Tolerant Grass Thrive

There’s nothing worse than having a shady yard that you can’t seem to revitalise. Fortunately, there are ways to do it, such as with shade-tolerant grass types. Talk to your local garden centre worker about the best variety for your unique situation.

With time, watering, and some general maintenance, you may be able to transform your once-bare yard into one that makes you proud. Alternatively, you can call upon your favourite lawn care experts to take care of all the hard work for you.