Shade Kills

☀️ All warm-season turfgrass varieties are full-sun plants—they thrive best with maximum sunlight. Even so-called "shade-tolerant" varieties like Shade King Zoysia and St. Augustine still perform better in full sun.

⚠️ Shade Tolerance ≠ Shade Preference

Some grasses can survive in partial shade but don’t thrive without ample sunlight.

🌳 We Understand Full Sun Isn’t Always Possible

However, maximizing sunlight—whether through limbing up trees or adjusting landscaping—is essential for maintaining healthy, resilient warm-season turfgrass.

Sunlight & Your Lawn: Key Questions Answered

☀️ Why is sunlight so important?

• Sunlight is the primary energy source for plants.

• Without proper sunlight, grass can’t perform photosynthesis or absorb vital water and nutrients.

🌱 What does a lack of sunlight look like?

• Grass in low-light areas tends to be thin, weak, and more vulnerable to damage.

🌳 How can I improve light conditions?

• Observe how sunlight moves across your property to identify shaded areas.

• Raise the canopy of large surrounding trees to allow more morning and afternoon sunlight.

  • This can add up to 2 extra hours of light per day, which can be the difference between thriving and dying for zoysia grass.

🔧 Are there other ways to help grass in low-light areas?

• Raise the mower deck height in shady areas to maximize leaf surface area for better light absorption.

• Use preventative care programs like:
  ✅ Fungal Agronomic Program – Helps prevent disease in slow-growing, shaded turf.
  ✅ Season-Long Turf Pest Prevention – Protects vulnerable grass from insect damage.

• Keep in mind: Grass in minimal sunlight will be slower to recover from damage, making prevention key.

The Cumulative Impact of Shade

• Shade doesn’t just weaken grass—it amplifies other problems.

• Even minor stressors, such as pests, disease, mowing, or foot traffic, can compound in shaded areas.

• Weakened grass struggles to recover, making proactive care essential.