How To Replace a Lawn With Shade Perennials

Growing a lush, green lawn in shady areas can be a challenging task for many homeowners. Shade-loving perennials offer an attractive and low-maintenance solution for those difficult spots where grass simply won’t grow. Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook provides valuable insights on transitioning from a struggling lawn to thriving shade perennials.

*Unless otherwise noted, costs in this article reflect an average of prices that our team found from hardware stores like Lowes and Home Depot, and on Amazon.com.

Understanding the Challenges of Shady Lawns

Shady areas present unique obstacles for traditional grass lawns. Before deciding to replace your lawn with shade perennials, you should know why grass struggles in these conditions.

Limited Sunlight

Grass species generally require a minimum of four to six hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. In areas with dense tree canopies or structures that cast long shadows, grass often becomes thin, weak, and prone to disease. Without enough sunlight, grass cannot photosynthesize efficiently, leading to poor growth.

Competition for Resources

Trees and shrubs not only block sunlight but also compete with grass for water and nutrients. Trees mature, and their extensive root systems absorb much of the available resources, leaving little for the grass. This environment makes it difficult for grass to establish itself and maintain health, leading to patchy and unattractive lawns.

Soil Conditions

Shaded areas often have acidic soil due to the decomposition of fallen leaves and needles. This acidity can make it challenging for grass to absorb the necessary nutrients, further hindering its growth. Compacted soil is another issue in shady areas, as it prevents roots from penetrating deeply and accessing water and nutrients.

Assessing Your Lawn

Before making the switch to shade perennials, evaluate your current lawn conditions and determine if alternative ground covers are the best solution.

Soil Testing

Conduct a soil test to understand the nutrient content and pH level of your soil. This information can guide you in selecting the most suitable shade perennials for your specific conditions. Cook recommends soil testing to dictate which nutrients need to be added to the soil, for a fertile growing environment for the perennials.

Sunlight Evaluation

Observe the sunlight patterns in your yard throughout the day. Some areas may receive dappled sunlight or brief periods of direct sun, which can influence your choice of shade-tolerant plants.

Moisture Levels

Assess the moisture retention in shaded areas. Some spots may be consistently damp, while others might be dry due to tree roots absorbing available water. Understanding these moisture levels will help you choose plants that either thrive in wetter conditions or tolerate drier soils.

Selecting Shade-Tolerant Perennials

Choosing the right plants for your shaded areas is key to creating a lush, low-maintenance landscape. Here are some popular options Cook recommends.

Ground Covers

Ground covers are excellent choices for large shaded areas. They spread quickly and require minimal maintenance once established. Their dense growth habit helps suppress weed growth and protect the soil. Some options include:

• Pachysandra: A hardy evergreen that tolerates deep shade
• Vinca minor (Periwinkle): Known for its blue flowers and ability to cover ground rapidly
• Ajuga (Bugleweed): Offers colorful foliage and flowers, ideal for borders
• Lamium (Dead nettle): Features variegated leaves and pink or white flowers

Flowering Perennials

For a splash of color in shaded areas, consider these flowering perennials. They add visual interest and diversity to your garden, often attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

• Hostas: Known for their large, attractive leaves and shade tolerance
• Astilbe: Offers feathery plumes in various colors, perfect for moist conditions
• Heuchera (Coral bells): Features colorful foliage and delicate blooms
• Brunnera (Siberian bugloss): Provides blue flowers reminiscent of forget-me-nots
• Hellebores (Lenten rose): Early bloomers that thrive in shaded conditions

Ferns

Ferns are well-adapted to shady, woodland-like conditions and can add texture and interest to your landscape. They naturally grow under trees in forests and excel in shaded areas. The ostrich fern offers tall fronds that create a lush backdrop, and the Japanese painted fern is best known for its striking silver and burgundy foliage. Other great options are the maidenhair fern, which has a delicate appearance with distinctive fronds, and the Christmas fern with evergreen fronds that provide year-round interest.

Preparing the Area for Planting of Shade Perennials

Proper preparation will help your new shade garden grow and thrive. Follow these steps to give your perennials the best start:

1. Remove existing grass and weeds from the area: This prevents competition for resources
2. Amend the soil based on your soil test results: Add organic matter such as compost to improve fertility and drainage
3. Level the area for proper drainage: Proper grading prevents water from pooling, which can lead to root rot
4. Plan your planting layout: Consider the mature size and spread of your chosen perennials to ensure adequate space for growth

Planting and Establishment of Shade Perennials

When planting your shade perennials, keep these tips in mind to ensure a thriving garden.

Space plants according to their mature size, as overcrowding can lead to competition for resources and increased disease risk. Plant at the same depth as they were in their nursery containers to minimize transplant shock and encourage root growth. 

Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture, especially in the first few weeks to help roots establish. Apply a layer of mulch around plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and add organic material to the soil as it breaks down.

Cook emphasizes patience when establishing ground covers and uses the adage, “The first year they sleep, the second year they creep, the third year they leap,” to describe this gradual process.

Considerations for Transitioning From Lawn to Perennials

Replacing a lawn with shade perennials can be a beautiful and practical solution, but there are some factors to consider.

Gradual Transition

Consider a gradual transition, starting with the shadiest areas and expanding over time. This approach allows you to adjust and refine your plant choices as your garden evolves, making it manageable and less overwhelming.

Erosion Control

In sloped areas, check that your chosen perennials provide adequate ground coverage to prevent soil erosion. Ground covers such as ivy are effective for this purpose. However, be careful of their aggressive growth habits, which may need to cut back from time to time.

Aesthetic Preferences

Think about how the transition from lawn to perennials will affect the overall look of your landscape. Incorporate elements such as stepping stones or pathways to maintain access through your new shade garden while improving visual appeal.

Our Conclusion

Replacing a struggling lawn with shade perennials can transform challenging grass areas into beautiful, low-maintenance gardens. By carefully selecting plants suited to your specific conditions and following proper planting and care techniques, you can create a thriving landscape that embraces the natural shade in your yard.