Best grass for heavy shade?

[JB]

Re: Best grass for heavy shade?

I wonder why nobody mentioned St. Augustine. That grew well in my FL lawn, including shade, but did need a lot of water.

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: Best grass for heavy shade?

The problem you have is not just the shade. I also have some large oak trees and THEY SUCK UP ALL OF THE GROUND MOISTURE and the grass drys up. Try a low creeping ground cover other than grass or do as I did and just make it a 'natural area" filled with pine straw and a bird bath etc.

 

[mandopickr]

Re: Best grass for heavy shade?

I live in the nw corner of SC. I have an area that is almost 100% shade and have tried several types of grasses, but only two have worked: A creeping red blend from Scotts and annual rye grass. The creeping red has grown in thick, from seed. I used an organic soil mixture when I seeded it (to retain moisture). I will over seed again this fall.

As another poster mentioned, the oaks that surround suck the moisture out of the ground. This summer I've watered 20 minutes 2x a day with good results. I will again over seed in late September.

BTW, Ky Blue has flourished in light shade and done okay in full sun with daily watering, but didn't work in this heavily shaded area. Just my experience.