Skip to main content
Customize by ZIP Code

User account menu

  • HELP CENTER
  • Log in
Menu Search
Home Home
Ortho

Main Navigation (US)

  • Bugs

    • Products

    • Essential Oils

    • Tips & Solutions

    • Featured Products

      Ortho® BugClear™ Insect Killer for Lawns & Landscapes Ready-to-Spray Front
      Ortho® BugClear™ Insect Killer for Lawns & Landscapes Ready-to-Spray
      Ortho® Home Defense® Max Indoor Insect Barrier with Extended Reach Comfort Wand® Front
      Ortho® Home Defense Max® Indoor Insect Barrier with Extended Reach Comfort Wand®
    • Featured Articles

      House fly sitting on a table.
      How to Get Rid of Bugs Indoors
      Modern kitchen with white cabinets and an ant infestation.
      How to Get Rid of Ants in the Kitchen
  • Garden

    • Products

    • Tips & Solutions

    • Featured Products

      Ortho® Dial N Spray® Hose End Sprayer
      Ortho® Dial N Spray® Hose End Sprayer
      Front of package
      Ortho® MAX® Garden Disease Control Concentrate
    • Featured Articles

      Yellow Lady Bug on Leaf
      Vegetable Garden Pests
      Large spider on a spider-web.
      The Benefits of Spiders in the Garden
  • Weeds

    • Products

    • Tips & Solutions

    • Featured Products

      Ortho® GroundClear® Super Weed & Grass Killer1
      Ortho® GroundClear® Super Weed & Grass Killer<sub>1</sub>
      Front of packaging
      Ortho® WeedClear™ Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Use with Comfort Wand
    • Featured Articles

      Dandelions growing in a field.
      Dandelions
      Landscape with mulch, pink flowers, grass, and a hardscape.
      6 Tips for a Weed-Free Landscape
  • Pollinator Promise

  • Purpose

  • Help Center

Search

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Problems and Solutions
  3. Shade -

Free shipping on all orders over $35!

Problem Solver Animal Marquee

Problem:
Shade

Image of Shade

Problem Info

Grass becomes thin under trees. Blades are thin and dark green. Moss and algae sometimes grow on the soil. Planting and maintaining a healthy lawn under shade trees is difficult. Shallow-rooted trees such as maples, pines, and beeches absorb many of the nutrients and much of the water intended for the grass. Trees that cast dense shade block out the sunlight that the grass needs to grow.

Analysis

Planting and maintaining a healthy lawn under shade trees is difficult. Shallow-rooted trees such as maples, pines, and beeches absorb many of the nutrients and much of the water intended for the grass. Trees that cast dense shade block out the sunlight that the grass needs to grow. Grass is especially difficult to grow under pines and other conifers.

Solution Advice

Prune some branches from the trees so more light gets to the grass. When seeding shady areas, select shade-tolerant grasses. Seed in the fall, so seedlings have a chance to establish before trees leaf out in the spring. Mow grass in the shade higher than grass in full sun. Water and fertilize more heavily under trees so both the lawn and the tree get enough. Or replace the lawn with a shade-loving groundcover.

STILL NEED HELP?
TWEET US
LIVE CHAT
EMAIL US

Home

© 2022 The Scotts Company LLC. World rights reserved.

Ortho Family

  • Careers
  • Our Brands
  • Scotts Miracle-Gro

Resources

  • Check Order Status
  • Return Policy
  • Conditions of Use
  • Privacy Notice
  • About Cookies
  • About Interest Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • Contact Us
  • Investor Relations
  • Site Map
  • Responsible Bug Disclosure Program

Connect

  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Footer menu

  • Privacy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
  • Our Brands
  • Investor Relations
  • Careers