Dry or Shady Lawns
Here we have two grass types that you would choose if you had difficult growing conditions. They are both very usable and though bred for survival they make excellent lawns.
The Shady Lawn
A specific blend of grasses with varying tolerance to shade. However, grass doesn’t grow in the dark…….or permanent shade! If this is the case you may need to look at using something other than grass. See Lawnsmith® SHADYGREEN Grass Seed.
Ups
- Will accommodate dappled shade from plants and trees
- Can survive in building shade as long as it gets a few hours sun
- Makes for a very usable and attractive lawn
- Blends very well with rye mixtures so if you just want to use it in shady parts of your lawn you can use other rye grass mixtures for the sunnier areas
Downs
- Will not do well under trees or along hedge lines that are dry
- Not very drought tolerant so dry shady areas may need regular watering
- Won’t grow in the dark!
Summary
For shady areas this is the perfect compromise for survival, looks and use. If you have dry shade (under trees) go with Lawnsmith® STAYGREEN Grass Seed. Though not quite as shade tolerant it is the best choice.
The Drought Tolerant Lawn
These grass seed mixtures will contain Rhizomatous Tall Fescue. Tall fescue has very deep roots tapping in to water deeper in the soil so survives where most other grasses give up. See Lawnsmith® STAYGREEN Grass Seed
Ups
- Will survive a typical british summer
- Useful on poor, stony or very sandy soils
- Will also do well in moderate shade where it becomes very dry (under trees etc)
- Hard wearing so makes a good family lawn
Downs
- Won’t survive in a desert; needs some water to stay green!
Summary
If nothing else will survive this will; so if you’re fed up with your lawn going brown in the summer then this may be the answer.
Buy Seed Mixtures for Dry or Shady Lawns
More on Creating a New Lawn
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![Seed vs Turf]()
Creating a New LawnThe range of types of grass is generally far greater with grass seed than turf thus allowing you to have exactly the right type of lawn for your needs
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![Turf & Seed Quality]()
Creating a New LawnThe freshness of garden turf or lawn grass seed can be checked quite easily. Be careful with so called luxury garden turf - it may not mean what you think it does!
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![Play Lawns to Ornamental Lawns]()
Creating a New LawnMatching use to seed type is critical. There are play lawns, ornamental lawns, and plenty in between so we try to make the choice as simple as possible
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![What is the best Looking Grass for Lawns]()
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder so the nicest grass for your lawn in the UK will be an individual choice based on stripes, greenness and fineness of leaf.
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![Seed & Turf Quantities]()
Creating a New LawnGarden turf is not cheap so you need to measure accurately. With grass seed being so much cheaper you can afford to be generous when sowing a lawn from seed
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![Planning the New Lawn]()
Creating a New LawnIf you get this part right the grass will be easier to maintain and cause fewer lawn care problems. Timing is also important when sowing grass seed or laying turf
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![Preparing the Ground]()
Creating a New LawnProper preparation of the ground for a new lawn will reward you with years of problem free lawn care, easier mowing and a beautiful healthy lawn
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![How to Sow Grass Seed]()
Creating a New LawnWhen you plant grass seed do it correctly and at the best time of year to ensure success. Moisture, warmth and fertiliser are the essentials
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![How to Plant Grass Seed for Guaranteed Success]()
A step by step guide on how to prepare the ground, sow your grass seed, protect and nurture it to create a brilliant lawn in a matter of weeks.
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![How to Lay Turf]()
Creating a New LawnWhen you are laying turf do it methodically and at the best time of year to ensure success. Start by rolling out and laying the first row of turf grass to form your border
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![All about Grass Seed Germination]()
Creating a New LawnPlanting and growing a lawn from grass seed requires warmth, moisture and air to ensure success. Learn what's needed for a great lawn in quick order.
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![How to Water Grass Seed]()
Creating a New LawnWatering grass seed is quite different from the way you would water a lawn. The golden rule is never let the seed dry out so frequent light watering is needed.
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![The No 1 Best Way to Protect Grass Seed]()
Covering your precious newly planted grass seed with polythene sheeting is not only an effective protection from birds but also drying winds and torrential downpours. Very cheap, easy to lay and speeds germination.
