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Lawn #798586

Asked June 29, 2022, 2:47 PM EDT

Any advice on how to improve my Kentucky Bluegrass in my backyard as its under a very shaded area...

Litchfield County Connecticut

Expert Response

Hi Brent,
It's really difficult to have a healthy stand of Kentucky bluegrass unless the area gets about 8 hours of sun each day. Of the 3 cool season turf grasses grown in NE (Kentucky bluegrass, rye and fescue), the bluegrass is the least shade tolerant. The fescues are the most tolerant of shade and recommended for areas that are not getting as much sunlight as possible. Also bluegrasses are more demanding in terms of nutrients, pH and irrigation so have your soil tested (http://www.soiltest.uconn.edu), be sure plants get at least an inch of water per week and you could try removing some of the lower limbs of the trees to let in more light. Keep in mind that tree roots compete with turf grass for water and nutrients so you might have to water more often during hot weather. My suggestion is to not fight Mother Nature and over seed with fescues in shaded areas or just make some mulched shrub beds under the trees. You are welcome to call the UConn Home & Garden Education Center on Tuesdays or Thursdays and talk to Pamm, our resident turf person. 
An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 29, 2022, 8:00 PM EDT

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