Pruning Selective pruning and thinning of limbs and removal of some trees will allow better penetration of sunlight and increase air circulation. Unfortunately, trees will naturally regrow into voids left by pruning, necessitating pruning yearly or every other year. Mowing Mow cool season turfgrasses at a minimum of 2.5 inches and preferably 3.0 to 3.5 inches. This is important for all lawns but especially for shaded lawns. Mowing at this height leaves the maximum leaf area for photosynthesis.
Most shaded areas are over-watered.
Irrigate only as needed to prevent turf from becoming drought stressed. Deep and infrequent irrigation is favored over shallow, frequent irrigation. It is better to underwater shaded turf to minimize disease pressure. Recuperation potential of traffic-damaged turf is severely reduced in shade. Fertilization Grass plants in shade are slow-growing and succulent and thus need less nitrogen than grass plants growing in full sun.