I have two mature red maples in front of the house which throw a lot of
heavy shade over most of the yard. I have had yearly problems getting
grass, flowers and shrubs to grow in this area. Last year, I planted a
special "shade lawn" seed obtained from one of the on-line/mail-order seed
companies. Since the grass seed was planted in the early fall, last year,
it is too early to determine if the grass will actually grow this year
(crossed fingers!) Assuming I have a problem with the grass again this
year, where can I get advice about what lawn seed to plant in this area? In
addition, where can I get information about selecting the correct flowers
and bushes to plant in beds and along walkways in this shady area?
(Location = Central New Jersey; 2 miles from shore) Thanks!

"Bruce H. Newman" wrote:
I have two mature red maples in front of the house which throw a lot of
heavy shade over most of the yard. I have had yearly problems getting
grass, flowers and shrubs to grow in this area. Last year, I planted a
special "shade lawn" seed obtained from one of the on-line/mail-order
seed companies. Since the grass seed was planted in the early fall, last
year, it is too early to determine if the grass will actually grow this
year (crossed fingers!) Assuming I have a problem with the grass again
this year, where can I get advice about what lawn seed to plant in this
area? In addition, where can I get information about selecting the
correct flowers and bushes to plant in beds and along walkways in this
shady area? (Location = Central New Jersey; 2 miles from shore) Thanks!

Fine fescue.

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I'm in NJ too and I've had good results with Johnathon Green Dense
Shade or Shady Nook Mixes. Both are mixes of mostly creeping fescue
which does well in shady areas. However, you have a bigger problem and
that is the trees themselves. Most maples are known for being
impossible to grow grass under because they have roots which stay close
to the surface. In many cases, they are visible near the trunk. The
roots suck up water, nutrients and space, which combined with the
shade, kill the grass. You may have better success with plants other
than grass. I would also make sure to test the soil and adjust the
PH, as in areas like this that can be way off.

If you're trying to grow grass in areas shaded by trees, spring is the
best time to seed. With no leaves in early spring, it gets more light.
Plus you don't have leaves soon coming down that have to be kept off
the new grass, which is a big headache.