Grasses to Plant in the Shade

Creeping Red Fescue

• A cool-season grass, creeping red fescue is among the most shade-tolerant grasses. It does not stand up well to heavy traffic but will grow well under trees and other shaded areas. Despite its name, creeping red fescue does not spread rapidly and may need regular re-seeding to fill in bare spots. It requires plenty of water and prefers humid or moist climates.

Supina Bluegrass

• Unlike most fescue grasses, Supina bluegrass will withstand regular traffic. It also grows well in shady areas. It is a cool-season grass with a medium green color. Supina bluegrass spreads quickly and is common in commercial or public applications, such as golf courses, parks and ball fields. It requires plenty of water and prefers a moist climate.

Hard Fescue

• Hard fescue is a common choice for both shady and sunny areas because it withstands adverse conditions well. It prefers regular watering but can withstand drought. However, it tends to grow in clump formations, which makes it unattractive as a lawn to some homeowners. It also does not tolerate high temperatures. It grows well in deep shade and thrives in high elevations.

Chewings Fescue

• Chewings fescue, a tall and fine cool-season grass, grows in shady and sunny conditions. Moderate traffic is fine, but this grass does not withstand high traffic. It is drought tolerant but does not like the heat. Like hard fescue, it tends to grow in clump-like formations.

St. Augustinegrass

• St. Augustinegrass is a tough, heat-tolerant grass that grows well under trees and in shady areas. It is one of the few warm-season grasses that will grow in shade. St Augustinegrass tolerates moderate traffic levels, but does not wear well under high traffic. It prefers moist conditions but will grow in dry areas as well.