What can I do to my wet and shaded backyard for landscaping?
by Cindy
+3
I live in a woodsy area with old trees, very shaded,low land area. Cannot grow grass-I get alot of moss. Just want a cleaner backyard not the jungle look I have.
6 answers
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![Jo Eide]()
Jo Eide
on Jun 17, 2017
your trees need to be thinned so the sunlight can reach the grass -
![Gina]()
Gina
on Jun 17, 2017
This is my specialty! My backyard is all shade,with dense shade along fence line due to very large sycamor tree...not sure where you are,so choices may vary.Impatients are my go to for beautiful flowers,ferns,of any kind,hostas and african violets for a ground cover,I also have baby tears ground cover.Ive lived here for 18 yrs,still learning about shade plants,there are so many!Good luck..buy yourself a western garden book,..as it is my bible for my gardening. -
![Lora]()
Lora
on Jun 17, 2017
I think ferns and hostas would be beautiful as well. -
![Glenda Miller]()
Glenda Miller
on Jun 17, 2017
I have hostas growing in the same type of area. Design a circle or any figure you like and put down weed barrier material. Then plant different varieties of hostas and fill in with colored mulch or gravel. It looks great. -
![Chickchoc]()
Chickchoc
on Jun 17, 2017
If you want a cheaper alternative to weed cloth, use newspaper layers. You don't have to kill the plants or grass or moss underneath, just cut them as flat as possible. Place a layer of newspaper over the space, wet it down, then keep adding layers and wetting them as you go. I usually use about 5 layers. The top layer can be covered by any kind of mulch you like. Add desired plants by simply making a hole just big enough for that plant. The newspaper allows water and air to penetrate, but denies light to the ground underneath, thus killing all the weeds, etc. that you covered. I've used this method for many years and actually found it more effective than weed barrier cloth. In addition, as the newspaper and mulch decay, nutrients are composted into the soil. This cover lasted about 3 years in Michigan's harsh climate. I just added more newspaper and mulch when needed. Good luck. -
![Susan]()
Susan
on Jun 17, 2017
might want to think about thinning the trees too - or at least "limbing them up" which is just taking the lower limbs off - letting more sun in but it can be expensive if you hire out...you might be able to do if you're careful!!! You can also try digging trenches -lining with pond liner and river tock - to help divert some of the water away - the higher areas might then accept annuals like Zinnias etc. for good color!
Jo Eide
on Jun 17, 2017
Gina
on Jun 17, 2017
Lora
on Jun 17, 2017
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