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Best Lawn Seed For Shade (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for the perfect solution to keep your lawn looking lush, even in the shade, you may want to consider lawn seed for shade. These specialized seeds are designed to thrive in areas with minimal sunlight, making them an essential gardening item for those with shaded yards. However, before rushing into a purchase, there are some factors you need to consider to make sure you get the best value for your money.

One important factor to consider is the climate in your area. Different grass types thrive best in specific weather conditions, so it's essential to choose the seed type that is suitable for your local climate. You must also evaluate the quality of the soil in your yard and its nutrient content to ensure that you're using seed that will flourish in such conditions. Additionally, read reviews from other customers to know their experiences with the seed you intend to buy.

Are you struggling to keep your lawn looking green or even worse, dead? Have you noticed that certain areas of your garden are bare? If so, consider investing in lawn seed for shade. Have you ever thought of the difference in types of grass for your yard? Did you know that choosing the right grass type for your area and soil type could make all the difference? Read on and discover crucial things to consider before making your investment.

10 Best Lawn Seed For Shade

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
Ideal for quickly growing lush, green grass in both sunny and shady areas of your lawn.
2
Ideal for growing grass in areas with limited sunlight or heavy shade.
3
The product is ideal for improving thin lawns by providing grass seed, fertilizer, and soil improver for both sunny and shaded areas.
4
Ideal for growing dense and lush grass in areas with low sunlight or shade.
5
Ideal for growing a lush and thick lawn in areas with both sun and shade conditions in the southern region.
6
It is ideal for growing thick grass with high tolerance to sun and shade conditions in lawns or sports fields.
7
Ideal for repairing bare spots in areas with dense shade, promoting quick and easy grass growth.
8
It's ideal for patching and repairing bare spots in your lawn with a combination of grass seed, fertilizer, and mulch.
9
This grass seed is ideal for lawns that have both sunny and shaded areas, in cooler seasons.
10
The product is ideal for growing grass in areas with dense shade.
Ideal for quickly growing lush, green grass in both sunny and shady areas of your lawn.
Ideal for growing grass in areas with limited sunlight or heavy shade.
The product is ideal for improving thin lawns by providing grass seed, fertilizer, and soil improver for both sunny and shaded areas.
Ideal for growing dense and lush grass in areas with low sunlight or shade.
Ideal for growing a lush and thick lawn in areas with both sun and shade conditions in the southern region.
It is ideal for growing thick grass with high tolerance to sun and shade conditions in lawns or sports fields.
Ideal for repairing bare spots in areas with dense shade, promoting quick and easy grass growth.
It's ideal for patching and repairing bare spots in your lawn with a combination of grass seed, fertilizer, and mulch.
This grass seed is ideal for lawns that have both sunny and shaded areas, in cooler seasons.
The product is ideal for growing grass in areas with dense shade.

1. Rapid Green 16lbs: Sun & Shade Grass Mix

Achieve a lush lawn in just a few weeks with Scotts Turf Builder Rapid Grass Sun & Shade Mix. The combination of seed and fertilizer in this proprietary mix grows up to 2x faster than seed alone when applied at the new lawn rate and with proper care. This unique blend of sun and shade mix of seed and fertilizer produces a full green lawn that grows in just weeks. The grass will start to grow in as little as 12 days and will reach full maturity in 21 days. Scotts Turf Builder Rapid Grass Sun & Shade Mix is the perfect solution for problematic areas in your lawn that need extra attention as well as establishing new grass.

The best time to plant grass seed is during the fall or spring when temperatures are between 60°F and 80°F and the threat of frost has passed. To ensure optimal results, prepare the soil by lightly raking it to remove debris. Apply the grass seed using a Scotts spreader and water daily or as needed to keep the soil surface moist until the seedlings reach 2 to 3 inches tall. With one 16-lb. bag, you can seed up to 8,000 sq. ft. of lawn. Please note that this product may not be available in all states.

Pros

  • Produces a full green lawn that grows in just weeks
  • Grows up to 2x faster than seed alone when applied at the new lawn rate and with proper care
  • Ideal for problematic areas in your lawn as well as establishing new grass
  • One 16-lb. bag can seed up to 8,000 sq. ft. of lawn

Cons

  • – May not be available in all states

2. Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade Grass Mix 7 Lb

Looking for a grass seed that can thrive in shady conditions? Look no further than this Tall Fescue and Fine Fescue mix. With just 2 to 6 hours of sunlight, this grass seed is the perfect solution for areas of your lawn that don't receive much sun. Not only that, but it's also disease and traffic-resistant, making it a smart choice for anyone who wants a strong, durable lawn.

This grass seed contains the perfect amount of fertilizer to help your lawn succeed. Plus, it can save you up to 30% more water year after year compared to ordinary grass seed. And with a guaranteed growth rate, you'll see results in as little as 8 to 16 days.

Each bag covers up to 1,750 sq. ft., making it a great option for anyone who wants to grow thick, green grass in a shaded area. So why wait? Order your bag of Tall Fescue and Fine Fescue grass seed today and start enjoying a beautiful lawn in no time!

Pros

  • Thrives in shady conditions with only 2 to 6 hours of sunlight
  • Disease and traffic-resistant for a strong, durable lawn
  • Contains the perfect amount of fertilizer to help your lawn succeed
  • Can save up to 30% more water year after year compared to ordinary grass seed
  • Guaranteed growth rate with results in as little as 8 to 16 days
  • Each bag covers up to 1,750 sq. ft.

3. Scotts Turf Builder Thick'r Lawn Grass Seed, Fertilizer And Soil Improver For Sun & Shade, 40 Lbs.

Achieve a lush, thick lawn with just one easy application using this 3-in-1 solution for thin lawns. This product is a combination of seed, fertilizer and soil improver that works together to improve the condition of your lawn. It is perfect for filling gaps in your current lawn, promoting thicker and greener turf, and enhancing root development.

With this solution, you can get up to a 50% thicker lawn in no time. Simply use a spreader to apply the solution and follow proper care instructions. Keep in mind that results may vary depending on the current condition of your lawn. However, with its effective formula, you can expect to see significant improvements in no time.

Pros

  • Easy to use 3-in-1 solution for thin lawns
  • Combination of seed, fertilizer and soil improver promotes thicker and greener turf
  • Enhances root development for a healthier lawn
  • Can achieve up to a 50% thicker lawn with just one application

Cons

  • – Results may vary depending on the current condition of the lawn

4. Jonathan Green (10610) Black Beauty Dense Shade Grass Seed – Cool Season Lawn Seed (25 Lb)

Transform your shady lawn with this shade-tolerant grass seed mix. Specifically designed for areas with limited sunlight, this mix is perfect for lawns with big trees, large shrubs, or areas shaded by houses or other permanent structures. The black beauty dense shade mix produces healthy, dense, and attractive turf with a dark-green color that will enhance the beauty of your lawn.

This mix contains four families of cool-season turfgrasses, including turf-type tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial rye, and fine fescues. This makes it versatile for shady to partial sun lawns. With a germination time of 14 – 21 days, these turfgrass varieties also possess beneficial endophytes. This ensures quick establishment and growth of your lawn.

This 25 lb bag of grass seed will cover up to 7,500 sq. ft. for new lawns and up to 15,000 sq. ft. for overseeding. The best time to apply is mid-August to mid-October or mid-March through mid-May. With its complete coverage and quick establishment, you can have a beautiful, lush lawn in no time!

Pros

  • Ideal for areas with limited sunlight
  • Produces healthy, dense, and attractive turf with a dark-green color
  • Versatile for shady to partial sun lawns
  • Quick establishment and growth with beneficial endophytes
  • Covers up to 7,500 sq. ft. for new lawns and up to 15,000 sq. ft. for overseeding

5. Pennington Smart Seed Sun And Shade Tall Fescue Grass Seed Mix For Southern Lawns 20 Lb

Maintain a lush and healthy lawn all year round with this Grass Seed and Fertilizer Mix. The ideal choice for Southern Tall Fescue lawns that receive a moderate amount of shade and sun exposure. This premium mix contains the perfect blend of grass seed and fertilizer to help your lawn thrive and succeed.

With its advanced formula, this grass seed and fertilizer mix is designed to withstand hot, humid, and harsh weather conditions. It requires just 4 to 6 hours of sunlight and can help you save up to 30% more water every year compared to ordinary grass seed. You can trust this mix to grow and see results in as little as 8 to 21 days.

This bag covers up to 5,000 sq. ft, making it perfect for larger lawns. Whether you're a professional landscaper or a homeowner looking to improve the look of your lawn, this grass seed and fertilizer mix is an excellent choice.

Take the first step towards a healthy and beautiful lawn today with this Grass Seed and Fertilizer Mix for Southern Tall Fescue lawns.

Pros

  • Ideal for Southern Tall Fescue lawns with moderate shade and sun exposure
  • Contains just the right amount of fertilizer to help your lawn thrive
  • Can save up to 30% more water compared to ordinary grass seed
  • Survives in hot, humid, and harsh weather conditions
  • Guaranteed to grow with visible results in as little as 8 to 21 days
  • Covers up to 5,000 sq. ft, perfect for larger lawns

6. Greenview Fairway Formula Grass Seed Turf Type Tall Fescue Sun & Shade Blend – 20 Lbs.

Achieving a lush and healthy lawn can be challenging, especially when it is exposed to both sun and shade. Fortunately, GreenView A-LIST Blend Grass Seed is here to provide a solution. This blend is specifically designed to thrive in extreme environments and it is 99.9% weed-free, thanks to the proprietary mix of top-rated, premium quality seeds.

The A-LIST blend is resistant to heat, drought, insects, diseases, and heavy traffic from children and pets. Moreover, the uncoated seeds ensure maximum seed coverage. This blend is ideal for bare spots, seeding a new lawn, or for overseeding an existing lawn. It can cover up to 2,500 sq. ft. for new lawns and 5,000 sq. ft. for existing lawns.

For better results, it is recommended to pair the GreenView A-LIST Blend Grass Seed with Fairway Formula Seeding Success, a one-step starter fertilizer and seeding mulch that guarantees successful seed germination. When used as directed, you can expect fast germination in just 7-14 days. Professional Rights is guaranteed and there is a GreenView Yard Wide Guarantee. If you are not satisfied with the product, your money will be refunded.

Pros

  • Designed to thrive in extreme environments
  • 99.9% weed-free
  • Resistant to heat, drought, insects, diseases, and heavy traffic
  • Uncoated seeds ensure maximum seed coverage
  • Ideal for bare spots, seeding a new lawn, or for overseeding an existing lawn
  • Fast germination in just 7-14 days when used with Fairway Formula Seeding Success
  • Professional Rights is guaranteed
  • GreenView Yard Wide Guarantee

7. Pennington One Step Complete Dense Shade Bare Spot Grass Seed, 10 Pounds, White

The grass is always greener on your side with this all-in-one lawn repair solution. In just two weeks or less, bare spots will be a thing of the past. This pre-mixed package contains everything needed to grow lush, thick grass. A combination of premium Smart Seed grass seed, professional-grade fertilizer, and mulch means that the hard work is done for you. Simply open the package and apply. With a coverage area of up to 150 sq. ft., this product is perfect for repairing small to medium-sized areas of lawn. Seed germination occurs within 7-14 days, so you can enjoy a beautiful lawn in no time.

Say goodbye to unsightly, patchy grass and hello to a vibrant, healthy lawn. This easy-to-use solution is perfect for both seasoned gardeners and beginners. The pre-mixed formula ensures that the correct amount of seed, fertilizer, and mulch is used, taking the guesswork out of lawn care. With this product, you can have confidence in your ability to grow a beautiful lawn.

The combination of premium Smart Seed grass seed and professional-grade fertilizer ensures that your lawn will receive the nutrients it needs to thrive. Meanwhile, the mulch helps to retain moisture, giving your new grass the best possible chance to grow. With this product, you can trust that you are giving your lawn the very best care.

Pros

  • Repairs bare spots in two weeks or less
  • Pre-mixed and ready to use
  • Combination of premium Smart Seed grass seed, professional-grade fertilizer, and mulch
  • Covers up to 150 sq. ft.
  • 7-14 day seed germination

8. Sun & Shade Seed & Feed Repair Kit

Scotts EZ Seed Patch & Repair Sun and Shade is a game-changing product designed to revive damaged lawns and fill in bare spots. This all-in-one solution combines high-performance grass seed, expanding mulch, controlled-release fertilizer, tackifier, and protectant in a single package. Scotts EZ Seed Patch & Repair Sun and Shade is a perfect solution for growing grass in challenging conditions like full sun, dense shade, high-traffic areas, and slopes. It can cover up to 445 sq. ft. with just three easy steps.

Scotts EZ Seed Patch & Repair Sun and Shade is an excellent option to repair lawn damage and revive your lawn's beauty. This product is formulated with a special blend of seeds that thrive in different light conditions. The expanding mulch helps keep the seed moist, reducing the need for frequent watering. The controlled-release fertilizer delivers essential nutrients to the seeds, promoting healthy growth. The tackifier helps keep the seed in place even during heavy rainfalls, reducing seed washouts. The protectant helps keep the seedlings safe from diseases and pests.

Scotts EZ Seed Patch & Repair Sun and Shade is easy to use. Simply prepare the area by removing debris, loosening the soil, and removing any dead grass or weeds. Then, spread the EZ Seed Patch & Repair Sun and Shade mix evenly over the area. Finally, water the area daily until the grass reaches 3 inches. Scotts EZ Seed Patch & Repair Sun and Shade can be planted in the spring or fall when the daily average soil temperature is between 55°F and 70°F or air temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. With this product, you can enjoy a lush and healthy lawn in no time.

Pros

  • Easy to use, with only three steps required for application
  • Designed to grow grass in challenging conditions, including full sun, dense shade, high traffic areas, and slopes
  • Contains a combination of grass seed, fertilizer, mulch, tackifier, and protectant in one package
  • Covers up to 445 sq. ft.
  • Promotes healthy growth and seedling safety

Cons

  • – May require frequent watering during hot and dry weather to prevent seedlings from drying out

9. Jonathan Green (12007) Black Beauty Sun & Shade Grass Seed – Cool Season Lawn Seed, 50 Lb

The Sun & Shade Grass Seed Mix is a perfect choice for lawns that receive full sun to partial shade. It is an excellent option for most lawns that require grass seed. The lawn seed mixture is ideal for overseeding your yard, filling in bare spots quickly and thickening the entire lawn.

This grass seed mix produces a healthy, dense, and attractive turf with a dark-green color, improving the look and feel of your lawn. The deeply rooted turf is also insect and disease resistant, making it a low-maintenance option for homeowners.

The Black Beauty Sun & Shade contains the four families of cool-season turfgrasses: turf-type tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial rye, and fine fescues. This results in your lawn having better disease resistance, ensuring your lawn remains healthy and green for years to come.

A 50 lb bag of this grass seed mix can seed up to 18,750 sq. ft. for new lawns and up to 37,500 sq. ft. for overseeding. The germination time is 7-14 days. The best time to apply is mid-August to mid-October or mid-March through mid-May.

Pros

  • Suitable for full sun to partial shade lawns
  • Improves the appearance of your lawn
  • Produces a healthy and dense turf with a dark-green color
  • Insect and disease-resistant turf
  • Contains four families of cool-season turfgrass for better disease resistance
  • Covers a large area for new lawns and overseeding

10. Jonathan Green Jog10600 40600 Dense Shade Grass Seed, 3 Lb, 3-Pound

This 3-pound bag of superior grass seed is perfect for those looking to enhance their lawn's appeal. With a coverage of up to 1,800 square feet, this grass seed is the ideal solution for those looking for a lush and green lawn. The seed is 100% pure and has been carefully selected to ensure that it results in a healthy and vibrant lawn. It is perfect for use in both sunny and shady areas.

The grass seed has been selected for its superior quality and is highly resistant to disease and drought. It grows quickly and is easy to maintain, requiring minimal watering and fertilization. This makes it the ideal choice for those who want a beautiful lawn without the hassle of constant upkeep. The seed is also suitable for use in a wide range of climates and soil types.

This grass seed is perfect for homeowners, landscapers, and anyone else who wants a beautiful lawn that is easy to maintain. It is a great investment that is sure to pay off in the long run. With its superior quality and ease of use, this grass seed is a must-have for anyone looking to improve their lawn's appearance.

Pros

  • Superior quality grass seed
  • Highly resistant to disease and drought
  • Grows quickly and is easy to maintain
  • Suitable for use in a wide range of climates and soil types

Best Lawn Seed For Shade FAQs

How do I choose the right lawn seed for my shady yard?

When it comes to choosing the right lawn seed for a shady yard, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, you need to determine the level of shade your yard receives. Is it partial shade or full shade? This will help you choose a seed that is suitable for your yard's specific conditions.

Next, you should consider the type of grass that grows best in shady areas. Some grasses, such as fescue and ryegrass, are better adapted to low-light conditions than others. These types of grasses will grow well in shaded areas and require less maintenance than other varieties.

Another factor to consider is the soil quality in your yard. Soil that is too compacted or lacking in nutrients can make it difficult for grass to grow, especially in shady areas. Consider adding organic matter or fertilizers to improve soil quality and help your lawn seed take root.

Lastly, it's important to choose a high-quality lawn seed that is appropriate for your climate and region. Consult with a local gardening expert or do some research to find the best seed for your area.

By taking these factors into consideration, you can choose the right lawn seed that will thrive in your shady yard and provide a beautiful, healthy lawn for years to come.

How do I properly care for and maintain a shade-tolerant lawn once it is established?

Once your shade-tolerant lawn is established, it is essential to maintain it properly to keep it healthy and beautiful. Here are some tips to help you care for your lawn:

1. Mowing: Keep the grass height at around 3 inches. Don't cut more than one-third of the length at any one time. Mow the lawn regularly to avoid stressing the grass.

2. Watering: Water the lawn deeply but infrequently, giving it around 1 inch of water per week. Water in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid evaporation.

3. Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release fertilizer in late spring or early fall to promote healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilization, which can damage the grass.

4. Weed Control: Remove weeds manually or use a selective herbicide to control them. Apply herbicides in early spring or fall when the weeds are actively growing.

5. Aeration: Aerating the lawn once or twice a year can help to loosen compacted soil and promote better drainage.

6. Pest Control: Control pests like grubs or chinch bugs with natural or chemical insecticides.

Remember, a well-maintained shade-tolerant lawn will not only look beautiful but will also be more resistant to disease, drought, and other environmental stresses.

What are the best types of lawn seed for shade areas?

When it comes to choosing the best types of lawn seed for shade areas, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, you'll want to look for grass varieties that are specifically bred for shade tolerance. These typically include fine fescues, such as creeping red fescue, chewings fescue, and hard fescue, which are known for their ability to thrive in low-light conditions.

Another important consideration is the overall health of your lawn. In addition to choosing the right seed, you'll want to make sure that your soil is rich in nutrients and that your lawn receives adequate moisture and proper care. This can help to ensure that your grass remains healthy and resilient, even in shady areas.

Ultimately, the best types of lawn seed for shade areas will depend on the specific conditions of your yard and your personal preferences. Consulting with a lawn care professional or doing research online can help you to make an informed decision and achieve a lush, healthy lawn that looks great year-round.

What are the key features to look for in shade-loving lawn seed?

When it comes to selecting the right lawn seed for a shady area, certain key features should be considered to ensure that the grass grows well and looks lush. Firstly, it is important to choose a shade-tolerant grass species like fine fescue, which requires less sunlight than other grass types. Secondly, it is advisable to choose a seed mix that contains a blend of grass seeds that are suited for different conditions, such as drought-tolerance, disease-resistance, and low-maintenance. Thirdly, it is important to select a seed mix that has a high germination rate, which means more seeds will grow, leading to a fuller lawn. Fourthly, the seed mix should have a high-quality seed coating, which can help retain moisture, boost growth, and ward off pests and diseases. Lastly, it is important to choose a seed mix that is appropriate for the specific region and climate, as grass species vary in their adaptability to different environments. By considering these key features, you can select the best shade-loving lawn seed that will thrive in your yard.

What is the ideal time of year to plant lawn seed for shade areas?

The ideal time of year to plant lawn seed for shade areas depends on the location and climate. In general, the best time to plant lawn seed for shade areas is during the early fall or spring season. During these seasons, the temperature and moisture levels are suitable for the growth of grass seeds. However, if you live in a region with mild winters, you can plant lawn seed in winter as well.

Before planting the lawn seed, it is important to prepare the soil properly. This involves removing any debris, rocks or weeds, and adding organic matter to the soil. The soil should also be well-drained, as excess moisture can lead to the growth of fungus and disease.

When choosing the type of grass seed to plant, it is important to consider the level of shade in the area. Some grass varieties are more shade-tolerant than others. For areas with heavy shade, it is recommended to choose a grass seed mix that is specifically designed for shade areas.

In conclusion, the ideal time of year to plant lawn seed for shade areas is during the early fall or spring season, depending on the climate and location. Proper soil preparation and choosing the right grass seed mix are also important factors to ensure successful growth in shaded areas.

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