What Grass Grows Best in the Shade?

Growing grass in the shade is a challenge that many homeowners face. Grass needs sunlight to grow well, and if it doesn't get the light that it needs, it dies. If you have a shady yard, you don't have to give up on your dream of having a lawn. As long as your yard gets a few hours of sun each day, even if it is filtered, it is possible to grow grass by choosing the right variety.

Your Climate

The climate you live in will determine the type of grass you can grow. If you live in a cool climate, choose a cool season grass, and if you live in a warm climate, choose a warm season grass.

Fine Fescue Grass

Fine fescue is a cool season grass grows in light to moderate shade. Fine fescue grass mixes that contain chewing fescue and creeping red fescue are good choices in areas that experience cold winters and moderate to warm summers.

St. Augustine

St. Augustine is a warm season grass that can grow with as little as 5 hours of sunlight during the day. You can use St. Augustine cultivars, such as 'Seville,' 'Captiva' and 'Delmar,' in the south where the winters are mild and the summers are very hot.

Type of Shade

The type of shade makes a difference in how successfully your grass will grow. Shade cast by a house affects the grass less than shade cast by a tree because the tree competes with the grass for moisture and nutrients.

Decrease the Shade

If you are having a hard time getting even shade-tolerant grass to grow, prune the lower branches from your trees or remove a few trees to increase the amount of light that gets through.

Mowing Your Lawn

You can help your grass grow in shady areas by mowing at a higher setting. The grass develops deeper roots and more of the grass blade will be exposed to the light.

Growth Habit

All grasses prefer some sun, so expect your grass to grow more slowly and have a sparse growth habit.

Resources

• Growing Grass in the Shade
• Grass and Shade
• Your Lawn and Shade