We bought a property in Alabama last year, and the backyard has been a bit of a headache. When we moved in, the entire area was covered in pine needles — no grass at all. It’s a pretty shaded yard, mostly under tall pines. We tried sodding it last year, but the sod never really took (first picture shows a couple months after the sod died).
Since then, we’ve been trying to establish clover as a lower-maintenance alternative, but even that isn’t doing well. Some small patches come up, but most of it just doesn’t stick. (second picture shows clover at its peak. Only about a quarter of it remains two months later.)
At this point, I’m not sure what to do — we don’t need a perfect lawn, but I’d like something low-maintenance and not just dirt and pine needles. Thoughts or suggestions?
by akitta74
6 Comments
Grasses and clovers are full sun adapted species, but you probably need shade tolerant species. You’ve already got moss growing on your rocks, so how about encouraging moss to grow on your soil? You might also try sedges, many of which tend to tolerate shade better. For example, penn sedge is very shade tolerant and also native to your region. You could also plant other shade tolerant things, like some ferns or wild ginger or wild strawberries. Don’t worry too much about a couple bare soil patches, just think of it as little landing pads for seeds and spores.
Go to a local park where there is pine trees like yours. See what’s growing underneath and if you like anything. Hopefully you’ll find some native ground cover, plants or bushes. Native should be less maintenance once established
What do you want to use the lawn area for? Games, kids’ play dates? Or do you want it more as a move backdrop when you enjoy your patio n
It looks like you are trying to establish a lawn n places where you are unlikely to walk play.
I would put a cedar chip path to the back gate. I would use the back 1/3 or 1/2 of the yard and right side of the path as a garden with shade-loving plants. Use a mix of plants and heights. Then the “lawn” area and a smaller and in a slightly sunnier spot and you have a smaller area to focus on establishing ground cover in.
Hi, neighbor! I’m in central AL as well, and have a shady backyard. Creeping phlox is good, as long as you don’t expect it to flower. Wild ginger and ferns might be a good call, but since you’re using it for your dog, I might stick with the phlox.
ETA: Forgot which sub I was in: if you don’t care about natives, that opens up a TON of shade ground cover! Check out deadnettle, sweet woodruff, or green and gold.
Horseherb/Straggler daisy? It’s native and shade-tolerant (grows wild in the shady moist parts of my yard), and my dogs don’t seem to mind running around on it.
Looks dry AF. Do you put a sprinkler on it to let it get established, or do you just throw seeds out and leave it in God’s hands?
Consider putting down compost, plant in that. Set a sprinkler on a timer to water it every once in a while.