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Low-Growing Shade Tolerant Grass

Not many grass types are available for gardeners wanting low-growing grass for their shady lawns. Most grass types prefer full sun environments that receive at least six to eight hours of sunlight. Also, gardeners growing grass in the shade should keep their grass 1/2 to 1 inch taller than grass grown in the sun, according to Clemson University. However, there are a few warm and cool season grass types that will tolerate a low grass height in the shade.
  1. Zoysia

    • Zoysia grass is one of the few warm season grass types that tolerate shady environments and is slow growing, which means it will grow low to the ground while it is spreading. A few varieties perform better in the shade than other zoysia types, such as Diamond, El Toro, Belaire, Cavalier, Meyer and Emerald grass, according to Clemson University. Gardeners can keep their zoysia grass 1 3/4 inches high to achieve a low-growing healthy grass.

    Carpet Grass

    • Carpet grass grows as a thick mat of vegetation that crowds out weeds. In fact, carpet grass will grow up to 12 inches high but will tolerate low-mowing heights of 1 3/4 inch. Gardeners prize this grass type for its ability to thrive in a wide range of soils, its medium texture and its disease resistance. Choose grass types that can resist diseases because fungal spores and other harmful pathogens thrive in shady environments.

    Fescue

    • Fescue is a cool season grass type that spreads slowly. In fact, most fescue sod has been blended with Kentucky bluegrass to help lawns achieve thick grass growth. Because fescue grows slowly, it grows low to the ground. Types of fescue that tolerate shade include hard fescue, chewings fescue and creeping red fescue. Avoid planting tall fescue as this grass type grows rapidly and doesn't tolerate low mowing, according to the University of Arkansas.

    Bluegrass

    • Supina bluegrass is one of the few bluegrass types that can handle shady environments. In addition, this grass should be kept under 2 1/2 inches in height to prevent it from becoming thin. Refrain from planting supina bluegrass in dry or drought-prone areas. This grass type must be grown in moist soils, or it will have difficulty spreading. Gardeners who have sandy soil in their shaded lawns should ensure that there is enough moisture in their lawns to support this grass.