Which Grass is Best for the Shade?

    Shade is one of the most challenging landscape issues. Our top shade performers are Palmetto St. Augustine and Geo Zoysia. Empire, Celebration, and Discovery all have moderate shade tolerance that has been proven in University studies. At a minimum, we recommend 4 hours of sunlight. Keep in mind that shaded areas will typically stay wet longer (higher risk of fungus/disease), be less able to recover from heavy traffic, and will usually be competing with tree roots for water and nutrients. Keep in mind that ALL grass is grown in full sun so transplanting to a shady area is a big shock for the plant and extra care and attention is needed in these situations.

    Using larger beds with landscape plants better suited for shade is sometimes the best solution. Testing a couple of pieces or plugs in an area you are considering planting is the best way to determine whether an area is too shady.