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Best Shade Grass For Nc (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a way to liven up your lawn in North Carolina, consider shade grass. With the heat and humidity of the state, finding the right grass can be a challenge. Shade grass provides a solution for areas of your lawn that don’t receive much sun.

Before purchasing shade grass for your North Carolina lawn, there are a few factors to consider. First, evaluate the amount of shade your lawn receives. Different types of shade grass require varying amounts of sunlight to thrive. Additionally, research the soil in your area to ensure the shade grass you choose is suitable for the pH levels and texture of the soil.

Are you tired of patchy, uneven grass in your North Carolina lawn? Do you want a uniformly green and lush lawn that’s perfect for backyard BBQs and outdoor playtime? Perhaps you’re unsure of which shade grass is right for your lawn. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll discuss what to consider before buying shade grass as well as some tips for choosing the perfect variety for your lawn.

10 Best Shade Grass For Nc

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
The product is ideal for improving thin lawns by providing grass seed, fertilizer, and soil improver for both sunny and shaded areas.
2
Ideal for growing dense and lush grass in areas with low sunlight or shade.
3
Ideal for growing a lush and thick lawn in areas with both sun and shade conditions in the southern region.
4
Ideal for quickly growing lush, green grass in both sunny and shady areas of your lawn.
5
This product is ideal for patching and repairing areas with both sun and shade exposure on a lawn.
6
Ideal for growing grass in areas with limited sunlight and requiring a dense turf.
7
Ideal for growing grass in areas with low sunlight such as under trees and around buildings.
8
Ideal for growing grass in areas with limited sunlight or heavy shade.
9
Ideal for growing grass in shaded areas with minimal sunlight requirements of only 3 hours per day.
10
The product is ideal for growing grass in areas with dense 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.
Ideal for quickly growing lush, green grass in both sunny and shady areas of your lawn.
This product is ideal for patching and repairing areas with both sun and shade exposure on a lawn.
Ideal for growing grass in areas with limited sunlight and requiring a dense turf.
Ideal for growing grass in areas with low sunlight such as under trees and around buildings.
Ideal for growing grass in areas with limited sunlight or heavy shade.
Ideal for growing grass in shaded areas with minimal sunlight requirements of only 3 hours per day.
The product is ideal for growing grass in areas with dense shade.

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Scotts Ez Seed Patch And Repair Sun And Shade For Grass: Covers Up To 225 Sq. Ft., 10 Lb.

Achieve a lush green lawn in any area with the revolutionary Scotts seeding mix. This product includes high-performance grass seeds, absorbent mulch, exclusive controlled-release fertilizer, tackifier, and protectant that ensures guaranteed growth (subject to proper care). The mulch can absorb up to 6 times its weight in water and expands to create a moist protective layer around the seed. The fertilizer is designed with controlled-release technology to provide essential nutrients for the seedlings' jumpstart growth.

Scotts seeding mix is an ideal solution for growing grass in full sun, dense shade, high traffic areas, and slopes. It can cover up to 225 sq. ft. and can be used in areas that are newly planted. The tackifier helps prevent the seed from washing away while the protectant keeps the seedlings safe from harmful diseases that can attack newly planted areas. This product is not available in Hawaii.

Pros

  • Revolutionary seeding mix that guarantees grass growth in any area (subject to proper care)
  • Includes high-performance grass seeds, absorbent mulch, exclusive controlled-release fertilizer, tackifier, and protectant
  • Mulch can absorb up to 6 times its weight in water and expands to create a moist protective layer around the seed
  • Fertilizer is designed with controlled-release technology to provide essential nutrients for the seedlings' jumpstart growth
  • Ideal solution for growing grass in full sun, dense shade, high traffic areas, and slopes
  • Covers up to 225 sq. ft.
  • Tackifier helps prevent the seed from washing away
  • Protectant keeps the seedlings safe from harmful diseases that can attack newly planted areas

Cons

  • – Requires proper care to guarantee growth
  • – Not available in Hawaii

6. Jrk Ultra Dense Shade Grass Seed Mix – 25 Lbs

Introducing a perfect solution for those shady, moist areas – the specially designed grass seed that thrives even under dense canopy trees. This grass seed does not require frequent fertilization and needs to be fertilized only up to 4 times a year. However, it needs ample irrigation to survive in the area. It is an ideal option for the areas receiving 70-100% of shade throughout the day. For best results, fertilize the grass seed 2-3 times a year and water it as per requirements.

Pros

  • Specially designed for shady, moist areas
  • Thrives even under dense canopy trees
  • Does not require frequent fertilization
  • Ideal for areas receiving 70-100% of shade throughout the day

Cons

  • – Requires ample irrigation to survive

7. Greenview Fairway Formula Grass Seed Dense Shade Mixture – 20 Lbs.

A-LIST mixture is specially formulated for lawns that receive no more than 4-6 hours of filtered sun per day. This premium quality seed mixture is 99.9% weed-free and contains our proprietary blend of top-rated seeds that can provide superior resistance to drought, insects, disease, heat, and heavy traffic from children and pets. The uncoated seeds ensure maximum seed coverage which is ideal for new lawn seeding or overseeding existing lawns up to 5,000 sq. ft. and 10,000 sq. ft. respectively.

For optimal results, pair A-LIST mixture with GreenView Fairway Formula Seeding Success, a one-step starter fertilizer, and seeding mulch that guarantees successful seed germination. With fast seed germination in as little as 7 days, you can expect professional results with this product. Furthermore, if you're not satisfied with the results, GreenView Yard Wide Guarantee ensures your money back. With all these features, A-LIST mixture is an ideal choice for those who want to achieve a beautiful lawn even in low sunlight conditions.

Pros

  • Specially formulated for lawns that receive no more than 4-6 hours of filtered sun per day
  • Premium quality seed mixture that is 99.9% weed-free
  • Can provide superior resistance to drought, insects, disease, heat, and heavy traffic from children and pets
  • Uncoated seeds ensure maximum seed coverage
  • Ideal for new lawn seeding or overseeding existing lawns up to 5,000 sq. ft. and 10,000 sq. ft., respectively
  • Fast seed germination in as little as 7 days
  • GreenView Yard Wide Guarantee ensures your money back

8. 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.

9. Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Dense Shade Mix, Grows With As Little As 3 Hours Of Sunlight, 7 Lbs.

The Scotts Turf Builder Dense Shade Mix Grass Seed is a premium quality grass seed designed to thrive in both sun and shade conditions with as little as 3 hours of sunlight. This grass seed comes with a specialized blend of shade-tolerant, self-repairing, and medium-bladed texture grass varieties. These grass varieties are perfect for seeding around or under dense trees where sunlight is minimal.

This grass seed also features an exclusive 4 in 1 WaterSmart PLUS Coating. This coating is designed to absorb more water, feed the seedlings with essential nutrients, and protect them from diseases. As a result, you can expect to have a beautiful and lush green lawn in no time.

The Scotts Turf Builder Dense Shade Mix Grass Seed can cover up to 1,750 sq. ft. which makes it an excellent choice for both small and large lawns. However, please note that this product is not available in LA.

Pros

  • Specialized blend of shade-tolerant, self-repairing, and medium-bladed texture grass varieties.
  • Grows with as little as 3 hours of sunlight.
  • Exclusive 4 in 1 WaterSmart PLUS Coating that absorbs more water, feeds with essential nutrients, and protects seedlings from disease.
  • Can cover up to 1,750 sq. ft.

Cons

  • – Not available in LA.

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 Shade Grass For Nc FAQs

Are there any specific maintenance requirements for shade grass in North Carolina?

Yes, there are specific maintenance requirements for shade grass in North Carolina. Shade grasses typically require more frequent watering and fertilization than grasses that grow in full sun. This is because shade grasses receive less sunlight, which means they have less energy to grow and thrive. In addition, shade grasses are more susceptible to disease and insect infestations, so it's important to keep them healthy and well-maintained.

To maintain shade grass in North Carolina, it's important to water it regularly, but not too much. Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal diseases, so it's best to water deeply but infrequently. Fertilization is also important, as shade grasses require more nutrients than sun-loving grasses. It's recommended to fertilize shade grasses in the spring and fall, using a slow-release fertilizer that will provide nutrients over time.

Regular mowing is also important for maintaining shade grass. However, it's important to avoid cutting the grass too short, as this can weaken the grass and make it more susceptible to disease and insect infestations. Additionally, it's important to remove any fallen leaves or debris from the lawn, as this can smother the grass and promote disease.

In summary, maintaining shade grass in North Carolina requires regular watering, fertilization, mowing and debris removal. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your shade grass stays healthy and vibrant throughout the year.

Can I mix shade grass with other grass types in my lawn?

Yes, you can mix shade grass with other grass types in your lawn. In fact, it is recommended to do so as it helps in creating a more resilient, healthy and beautiful lawn. Different grass types have different strengths and weaknesses, and by combining them, you can achieve a lawn that is better suited to your specific needs and environment.

When selecting grass types for your lawn, it is important to consider the amount of sunlight that your lawn receives. Shade grasses, such as fine fescue or creeping red fescue, are well-suited for areas of your lawn that receive less than four hours of direct sunlight per day. Other grass types, such as Kentucky bluegrass or Bermuda grass, require more sunlight and are better suited for areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

When mixing different grass types, it is important to ensure that they have similar growth habits and maintenance requirements. This will help in ensuring that your lawn remains uniform and healthy. Additionally, it is important to properly prepare your lawn before planting to ensure that your grass seeds have the best chance of germinating and growing properly.

In summary, mixing shade grass with other grass types in your lawn is a great way to create a beautiful and resilient lawn that is well-suited to your specific needs and environment.

How do I determine how much shade my lawn receives to choose the best grass type?

Determining the amount of shade your lawn receives is crucial in choosing the best type of grass for it. There are a few ways to determine the amount of shade your lawn gets. One way is to observe the lawn at different times of the day and note which areas receive direct sunlight, partial shade, or full shade. Another way is to use a shade meter, which can be purchased at most garden centers. Simply place the meter on the ground in different areas of your lawn and record the readings. Once you have determined the amount of shade your lawn receives, you can then choose the best grass type. For areas with full shade, fescue grasses are a good choice, while areas with partial shade can be planted with a variety of grasses such as Bermuda, St. Augustine or Zoysia. It is essential to choose the right grass type for your lawn to ensure that it thrives and looks its best.

How often should I water and fertilize shade grass in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the climate can vary greatly depending on the region, so it's important to first identify the specific type of shade grass you have before determining a watering and fertilizing schedule. Generally, shade grass in North Carolina requires watering once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. It's important to water deeply, so that the roots of the grass receive enough moisture to thrive. Fertilization should be done 1-2 times a year, preferably in the spring and fall. Be sure to use a fertilizer that is specifically designed for shade grass, as this will provide the necessary nutrients for optimal growth. Over-fertilizing can actually harm the grass, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully. Additionally, be sure to keep an eye out for any signs of under or over-watering, as this can impact the health of your shade grass. By following a consistent watering and fertilizing schedule, you can help ensure a healthy and lush lawn all year round.

What are the best types of shade grass for North Carolina?

North Carolina experiences a humid subtropical climate, which means that it has long, hot summers and mild winters. The best types of shade grass for North Carolina are those that are resistant to heat, drought, and disease. Some of the best options include fescue and zoysia grass. Fescue grass is a cool-season grass that thrives in partial shade and is drought-tolerant. It is perfect for areas with light shade and needs less water than other types of grass. Zoysia grass, on the other hand, is a warm-season grass that is perfect for areas with heavy shade. It is known for its ability to withstand drought and foot traffic, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas such as parks and playgrounds. Other grasses that are suitable for North Carolina include Bermuda grass, centipede grass, and St. Augustine grass. Before choosing a grass type, it is important to consider your specific needs and the amount of shade in your yard.

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