What Ferns Should You Plant in Shady Seattle Yards, and How Are They Maintained?

Ferns bring Pacific Northwest woodland feeling to any shade garden, from Laurelhurst to Madrona. Sword ferns, deer ferns, lady ferns, and maidenhair are Seattle classics. 

To keep ferns lush, landscapers enrich soil with compost and mulch to mimic natural forest floors and retain moisture. Most ferns need little more than regular watering in their first year and some spring pruning to remove old fronds. 

Professionals choose the best ferns for each setting: sword ferns for tough, year-round coverage; delicate maidenhair for accent spots. Stressed ferns are divided and replanted; soggy sites are improved for drainage. 

Adding professionally planted ferns creates easy-care, green privacy screens and softens shady yards for year-round enjoyment.