Bermuda grass is a warm-season turfgrass that is commonly used in residential and commercial landscapes. It’s known for its resilience and its ability to thrive in sunny areas.
Their resilience to pests and diseases makes them a low-maintenance option for any lawn. While they do pretty well in sunny areas, they can also tolerate some shade – compared to other turfgrass species.
There’s no denying that Bermuda grass loves the sun – and some areas that don’t get as much sunlight tend to grow slower, have some bare spots, and overall just don’t look as lush.
If you have areas on your lawn that are shaded because of buildings, dense trees, or other obstacles, the best solution is to find a shade-tolerant Bermuda grass seed.
What Makes a Shade Tolerant Bermuda Grass Seed?
While most Bermuda types varieties can tolerate partial shade, research found out that some that can tolerate shade have distinct characteristics. These characteristics are:
Thinner Leaves
The thinner the leaves, the more light can penetrate the soil below. This allows for photosynthesis to happen, ultimately resulting in a healthier lawn.
This means that even if the grass is under a shade, it only takes a small amount of sunlight to produce the energy it needs to grow.
Denser Canopy
A denser canopy helps prevent weed growth and also allows the turfgrass resist disease. A canopy is the layer of leaves that covers the ground. A denser canopy means there are more leaves than there are gaps.
This is important because it means the turfgrass can out-compete weeds for sunlight, water, and nutrients.
Softer Blades
While this may not seem like an important characteristic, it actually is. Softer blades are more flexible, which allows them to bend underfoot without breaking.
Bermuda grasses with softer blades mean that those in the shade will be able to withstand more wear and tear.
Root System
A strong, dense root system is vital for any turfgrass, but it’s especially important for those in the shade. A robust root system means the grass can take up more water and nutrients, resulting in more vibrant and lush growth.
3 Shade Tolerant Bermuda Grass Seed
There are many different types of Bermuda grass, and some are more shade tolerant than others. Here are three of the best options for those looking to seed a lawn that will have some shady areas:
1) Tifgrand Bermuda Grass
Tifgrand Bermuda grass is a beautiful, deep green turfgrass that is perfect for creating a lush, inviting lawn. Its distinct color is a result of its ability to better tolerate shade than other Bermuda grasses.
It’s also known for being one of the most drought-tolerant options, making it a great choice for those in arid climates.
Tifgrand is also resistant to wear and tear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. In addition, this grass has a very fine texture and produces very little seedhead, giving it a polished look.
Studies have shown that the thinner the leaf, the more shade-tolerant a plant is – and Tifgrand has some of the thinnest leaves of any Bermuda grass.
2) Celebration Bermuda Grass
Known for its vibrant green color and ability to thrive in both full sun and partial shade, celebration bermuda grass is a versatile option for any lawn.
Its leaves are slightly wider than those of Tifgrand, but it still has a very fine texture. Most of the time, Celebration is used on sports turf, as it can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
It’s also drought-tolerant and resistant to pests and diseases – making it a low-maintenance option for any lawn. Celebration bermuda grass is a newer variety, but it has quickly become one of the most popular options for those looking to seed a new lawn.
3) Tifway 419 Bermuda Grass
Tifway 419 is a versatile Bermuda grass that can be used for a variety of purposes, including golf course fairways, athletic fields, and home lawns. This grass is known for its dark green color, fine texture, and dense growth habit.
But what really sets Tifway 419 apart is its ability to tolerate low light conditions. This makes it a great choice for shady areas of your lawn where other grasses would quickly turn brown.
In addition to its shade tolerance, Tifway 419 is also very drought-resistant and tolerant of high traffic levels.
Shade tolerant bermuda grass seed: Final Thoughts
When it comes to seeding a new lawn, there are many factors to consider. But if you have an area of your yard that gets partial or full shade, don’t despair – there are plenty of great Bermuda grass options that will thrive in those conditions.
Consider the three varieties listed above, with Celebration being the best all-around choice for both sun and shade.
Whichever option you choose, make sure to follow the seeding instructions carefully to ensure a lush, green lawn for years to come.
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