Many people know the struggle of trying to grow grass in a shady yard. Even so-called shade-tolerant varieties don’t always work. If this sounds like your efforts, consider a shade groundcover or other lawn alternatives that do well with minimal sunlight.
Why Choose Grass Alternatives?
Shade isn’t the only reason to choose lawn alternatives, although it’s a big one. When you try to grow grass in a shady area, you’re likely to end up with more dirt patches, moss, and weeds than grass. A shade garden just looks nicer.
There are other good reasons to ditch the grass and choose a back yard or front yard shade garden:
- You won’t spend as much time—or any at all if you replace the grass entirely—on mowing the lawn.
- Grass is a monoculture, in other words ecologically boring. By increasing a diversity of plants in place of grass, you support local wildlife, including pollinators.
- Choose native species for a shade garden, and you make an even bigger positive impact on the ecosystem.
- You will spend less money and fewer resources—like water—on grass alternatives for shade.
The Best Lawn Substitutes for Shade
No matter where you live, you should be able to find many good options for creating a shade garden in place of grass. Check with your local extension office for advice or visit a garden center to see what’s available. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Groundcovers. This is a popular choice as an alternative to grass in shady areas. A groundcover is a low-growing plant that spreads readily and creates a carpet of foliage and often spring flowers. For shade try lily-of-the-valley, pachysandra, bugleweed, periwinkle, sweet woodruff, barrenwort, lungwort, Canadian wild ginger, heuchera, or low-growing hostas varieties.
- Ferns. Most ferns embrace shade and naturally grow in wooded areas. Choose a short fern for a groundcover effect or use several types for varying texture and color. Ostrich fern is a tall, attractive species. Japanese painted fern provides unique color and is relatively short. Unlike most types, autumn fern changes color with the seasons.
- Ornamental grasses. You may not be able to grow turf grass in shady spots, but some varieties of ornamental grass do better in these areas. As with ferns, you can find different heights and colors to create variety. Try most types of sedges, northern sea oats, Japanese forest grass, sweet flag, and fall blooming reed grass.
- Shade perennials. Another alternative to turf is a shade-loving bed. Pick perennials that tolerate partial to full shade. Good options include hostas, astilbe, bleeding heart, hellebore, rhododendron, and corydalis.
To get the most out of your shade garden, look for native species. They will require the least maintenance, won’t become invasive, and support wildlife.
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FAQs
In shady sites, try bottlebrush grass (Elymus hystrix) or the grass-like Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica). You can create stunning displays using different textures and heights and growing habits. Foliage should be cut back at least once a year, preferably in the early spring before new growth begins.
What is a good alternative to grass in a lawn? ›
Groundcover Alternatives to Turfgrass
| Common Name | Scientific Name |
|---|
| Common NameMoss Phlox | Scientific NamePhlox subulata |
| Common NameRoman Chamomile | Scientific NameChamaemelum nobile |
| Common NamePeriwinkle | Scientific NameVinca minor |
| Common NameSweet Woodruff | Scientific NameGalium odoratum |
19 more rowsFor cool-season areas, grass that grows in shade would be Ryegrass and Fine and Tall Fescues, as they offer the most shade tolerance. They require four hours of sun minimum to survive. Warm-season grasses that grow in some shade include Zoysiagrass and St. Augustinegrass.
How can I cover my ground without grass? ›
Use Gravel, Mulch, & Bark Chippings
Gravel's many applications includes acting as borders for plants or natural garden beds or around tree bases—and can even be used as pathways. Gravel also helps discourage pests and withstands harsh temperatures for low-maintenance landscaping.
What is the most inexpensive ground cover? ›
Cheap Natural Perennial Ground Cover Options
- Creeping Periwinkle - $1.07 per plant.
- Walk-on-Me Thyme - $3.99 per plant.
- Moss Phlox - $4.59 per plant.
- Violets and Pansies – Seeds range from $0.95 to $2.95.
- Early Snow Glories – $2.40 per plant.
- Gravel and Stone. When it comes to creating a stunning backyard without grass, gravel and stone are two of your best options. ...
- Paver Patio. ...
- Xeriscaping. ...
- Mulch Landscaping. ...
- Raised Deck. ...
- Container Gardens. ...
- Backyard Water Features. ...
- Create a Multi-Use Storage Shed.
Creeping Thyme prefers well drained soil with a neutral pH (between 6.5 and 7.5) in an area where it receives good sun, but can also tolerate partial shade.
What is no mow grass? ›
No-mow grass, also known as “lazy lawn,” “Native Mow,” or “miracle grass,” is a type of grass that has been specifically bred to require little to no care. This type of grass is usually made up of a mix of fine fescue, bluegrass, and rye grasses.
Does Zoysia grass do well in shade? ›
If drought and heat persist, Zoysia will go dormant, but it greens up quickly when watered again. Zoysia prefers full sun, but it tolerates light shade — unlike Bermudagrass and other sun-loving, warm-season grasses.
Is Zoysia more shade-tolerant than St. Augustine? ›
Augustines are the most shade tolerant warm season turfgrass varieties available. CitraBlue and Palmetto® St. Augustine are the best grasses for shade. When it comes to zoysia varieties, zoysia is still pretty shade tolerant for a warm season grass, but their shade tolerance ranks second to that of St.
Bermudagrass will grow in many different environments, but one shortcoming is its poor shade tolerance. The impact of shade on this putting green is evident, with the resulting poor turf quality.
What is a good substitute for grass lawn? ›
Clover makes an ideal turfgrass substitute because it needs little mowing, stays green all season long, and makes its own fertilizer! See more about establishing a clover lawn here. If you are looking to replace a large section of lawn with pollinator-friendly plants, try clover.
What is the best low maintenance lawn? ›
Fine fescues, including Slender Creeping Red Fescue, Strong Creeping Red Fescue, Chewings Fescue, Hard Fescue, and Sheep Fescue, are the key to achieving a low-maintenance lawn. These five fescue varieties are highly suitable for low-maintenance lawns due to their various advantages.
What grass only grows 2 inches? ›
A Kurapia lawn will only grow 2 to 3 inches tall, which is perfect for homeowners who want a short, neat lawn replacement without the work of traditional turfgrass. The plant also produces flowers in spring and summer that attract pollinators, though you can mow it to 2 inches to reduce flowering and deter bees.
What is the best low-maintenance lawn? ›
Fine fescues, including Slender Creeping Red Fescue, Strong Creeping Red Fescue, Chewings Fescue, Hard Fescue, and Sheep Fescue, are the key to achieving a low-maintenance lawn. These five fescue varieties are highly suitable for low-maintenance lawns due to their various advantages.
