Lawn Care (North Facing)

there are grass species suitable for shade so get in touch with a seed merchant who can advise on the best seed mix for you.
failing that suggest alternative planting with beds of shade lovers.

Can't see that lawn ever looking really good though. Do you know what the owner wants from it, ie to use it for something or just to be a green space? Also are they prepared to throw money at it?

Keep in mind that the sun will shift with the seasons. So the shade you get now, may be in sun in the warmer months. There are varieties of grass that grow in shade such at Kentucky Bluegrass. Also look at carex, liriope & sedges. Technically these are perennial plants but they look enough like grass to fool the best of them. I have liriope which is evergreen and has a nice wispy effect and never needs to be mowed.

Thank you everyone. Bathgate: When the sun gets higher in spring and summer, the lawn will still be overshadowed by the 5 story town house and trees. Seaburngirl: I may give this seed a go and see if it takes with regular scarifying. Yorklass: Yes a green space. But the residents are only renting, so artificial grass or sand stone would be a landlord decision. I'm guessing the landlord wouldn't want to spend the money. If it was my garden, I'd replace it with artificial grass.

Maybe grass isn't the answer. Have you thought of xeriscape? Give it a google to get some ideas. This is what they do in Arizona where the sun is too hot and water is too precious for a lawn.

Bathgate: They’re only renting, but I’ll pass the information on. Thank you.

Is it a long term rent or are they only staying a short time?
I'd be tempted to experiment a bit with some biggish ferns, depending n how much the tenants are willing to spend, and stick with a shade grass for the rest.

Yorklass: Great idea. It could be a little Amazon rain forest, especially when all the foliage is on the trees on the left. They’re only going to get a little sun, right at the back on the decking area. I’ll mention it to them.