A: “Not” is indeed the right answer. Every grass needs at least four hours of bright sunshine or six hours of dappled sunshine. Most grow best in bright sunshine for six hours or more. Although some grass seed is promoted as a “deep shade mixture,” the mixture usually contains some portion of Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass and fine fescue along with turf-type tall fescue. In the hot days of summer, when night temperatures are above 70 degrees, fescue struggles to recover overnight. The other three decline so much that weeds easily replace them. Mulch is by far the best way to deal with a shady area.
Q: My landscaper was spraying Roundup in flower beds and then walked in my zoysia grass. I now have a dozen brown footprints in my yard. What do you feel is the best way to remedy my grass? Brad Trego, Roswell
A: I think the best thing to do is to leave the grass alone, although you could lightly spray the spots with green aerosol paint if you have a mind to. It’s not likely that the grass is dead. It will probably green up to match the rest of the lawn next spring.
Email Walter at . Listen to his occasional garden comments on “Green and Growing with Ashley Frasca” Saturday mornings on 95.5 WSB. Visit his website, , or join his Facebook page at for his latest tips.
