Grass or landscaping?

[DT10 Guy]

I own a townhouse and have a small patch of grass (10 x 6) but it is not growing at all. This spring the grass did not come up at all so i started over and put grass seed down but it is not growing. It is in a really shady area and only gets about 2-3 hours of sun. Add to that we now have a dog that rips around on it.

Are there any tips to get the grass growing or should I just cut my losses and put some sort of landscaping down (rocks, bricks)?

Thanks

[bigdog]

Shade, small area and dog ripping around are not a good combination. Shady area grass is usually pretty fine and does not stand up well to my dogs. Patio pavers are nice...

[Powerstroke]

If you can't get a "shady" mix grass seed to grow than you don't have much choice. You can use a shade loving ground cover if you want greenery, but your best bet would be some sort of mulch or rocks. If this is the dogs area than mulch would be better.

[LwnmwnMan2]

What kind of seed did you use??

If it's that shady, you need to use a fescue seed, seed it fairly heavily.

If you used bluegrass or rye, both of these need practically all day sun.

Also, you say you live in a townhouse. DO you know if there's a company that mows / maintains the property?? If so, did they put down a crabgrass preventer this spring?? If so, then the new seed will not grow if you just throw it down on the previous dirt.

[DT10 Guy]

I did use a shady grass seed. I forget the brand name of it but it was specifically for shady lawns. I noticed this morning that it is just starting to come up. Maybe i just need to be a little more patient.

Our community does have a lawn service available but I lock my fence door and do all of the mowing/upkeep myself. I learned my lesson last year after they mowed over all of our flower/plants.

[Ryan Berger]

get some fescue,, its for the shade,, I got mine at cenex

[Powerstroke]

grass seeds usually need 2-3weeks to germinate and in your shady situation, possibly more. As long as you get some sun back there you should be fine. It might take a while. Try to keep the dog off until its more established.

[LwnmwnMan2]

Quote:

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I did use a shady grass seed. I forget the brand name of it but it was specifically for shady lawns. I noticed this morning that it is just starting to come up. Maybe i just need to be a little more patient.

One more thing. Did you put down any fertilizer with it?? I BELIEVE Home Depot carries a starter fertilizer, as well as Menards.

Put that down with it, make SURE it's starter fertiilizer, not just regular fertilizer.

Our community does have a lawn service available but I lock my fence door and do all of the mowing/upkeep myself. I learned my lesson last year after they mowed over all of our flower/plants.

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