Prevent Patchy Grass And Keep Your Lawn Looking Great With One Simple Solution

Few things showcase a yard better than a well-manicured lawn, but it only takes one little issue to get it off track. Before you know it, your once-healthy grass has developed ugly, patchy areas, and you're scratching your head wondering what went wrong. One reason your lawn is suddenly growing with thick patches in it is a lack of sunlight. Areas under trees and shrubs are often deprived of it — in fact, shade is one of the top causes of damaged lawns. Shade doesn't just cut the light; it also shifts its quality, making it less effective for photosynthesis. Depending on the type of grass you have, it may need between two to eight hours of sunlight daily to flourish. So, you see how shade can be a hindrance.

Then there's the dampness issue. Shaded areas often take a long time to dry from rain or dew. This is when your lawn is most susceptible to fungus and disease. Not everything in your landscape, however, struggles in the shade. Certain types of wildlife and plants, such as hostas and ferns, benefit from the generous shade provided by trees with thick canopies and dense shrubs. But if you're determined to grow grass below your trees, you may feel like you're stuck in a no-win situation. Fortunately, there is a simple answer to this dilemma: trimming. Removing certain branches on trees and shrubs allows more sunlight to reach the grass surface, giving your turf the light it needs without sacrificing the rest of your garden.

Trimming is an easy DIY job, but make sure you don't accidentally kill your trees or shrubs. For trees, focus on the lower limbs. For maximum effect, prune until the canopy clears the surface by about 6 feet. When pruning a large tree, cut its branches all the way back to their trunk; you don't want uncut stubs to undo all your hard work. In addition to improving light conditions for your grass, thinning will reduce humidity and encourage airflow, preventing diseases.

Once you're done pruning, regular lawn care for shaded areas necessary. Avoid overfertilizing with nitrogen, and fertilize in the fall. Mow your lawn regularly, making sure it doesn't grow past 3 to 4 inches. This guarantees your turf receives the sunlight it needs without any interception. When watering the grass, focus on quality over quantity. When it needs it, water it deeply, but don't water too frequently to avoid excessively damp conditions. Watering late in the day is a no-no, as there won't be enough sun to help it dry. Most importantly, avoid overwatering in shaded areas. And as tempting as it is to play catch with your pets or take a shortcut to your door, the less foot traffic the better. By trimming canopies and giving your grass the TLC it needs, you can keep patchy spots from ruining your turf.