DN
Best grass seed for a shaded family lawn
Hello, I’m wondering about what options to consider and whether I have the right seed choice. Here in Northeast ChCh, and over seeded a fescue/rye mix using the NZLA RSR Ryegrass as with the kids running around and kicking a ball/backyard cricket, etc. Come spring I’ll be looking to core erate and topdress and reseed again, but is the RSR still the best choice given the lack of winter sun along the side of the house? Or should I consider something else? Few pics of current state following the calendar along. I’ve read through the varying articles and the Ryegrass seems like it overall is the most likely best suggestion. Would it be an idea to mix some NZLA RSR with some NZLA dark perennial or just the RSR on its own?
Looks like a pretty typical winter lawn that’s not getting enough sunlight. The best thing you can do is keep it a bit longer and reduce foot traffic as much as possible over winter. The lawn is already under peak stress and naturally slow/dormant, so adding regular foot traffic will only cause it to thin out further, any other seed will do the same thing. I don’t think changing grass species is the answer here, the key is managing the amount of traffic the lawn receives during these dormant periods. Stadiums have lights between matches to keep the turf growing and playable again, unfortunately over winter that’s not an option for home lawns. RSR is a great rye for recovery, but only when temps and light are also in the equation.
@Garry B thanks Garry, appreciate the reply. I'll make sure to remember that for next season. Just wanted to make sure the seed choice wasn't a big contributor to it. Due to the thinning out there's a bit of moss/green I'll look to sort out prior to.
Are those areas that are thin a bit boggy? You might need to run a manually corer over them and introduce sand to help with drainage over the next growing seasons, that will help come next winter. I agree leaving it longer will help.
@Iain Perry thanks Iain, I wouldn't say they're particularly boggy. I was planning to core aerate come spring and was looking to topdress with some Intelligro mix, which seemed to be a popular recommendation. I'll definitely keep in mind letting it get a bit longer too.