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Sod That Grows in Shade

Most sod types prefer to grow in full sunlight or areas that receive six to eight hours of sun. However, a few cool and warm season sod types will grow in shady areas. Shady areas must receive at least four hours of sun to grow grass. Monitor your shady locations in the yard to ensure that they receive adequate sun.
  1. Fescues

    • Fescue grass is a cool season turf type that is extensively grown in the northern parts of the United States. Certain fescue sod varieties tolerate shady environments such as hard fescue, creeping red fescue or tall fescue, according to the University of Wisconsin Extension. Most fescue sod types are mixed with Kentucky bluegrass to promote spreading. However, Kentucky bluegrass on its own will not grow in shady areas. Make sure that the sod blend consists of fescue grass varieties.

    Ryegrass

    • Perennial ryegrass sod performs fairly well in shady locations. Like fescue sod, perennial ryegrass is typically blended with Kentucky bluegrass. Those living in areas that experience early falls typically plant perennial ryegrass, because this grass will not tolerate hot summer temperatures. Gardeners can also plant their perennial sod in locations that experience high foot traffic, because this grass type has great wear tolerance, according to the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program.

    Zoysia

    • Zoysia is a warm season turf grown in the southern parts of the United States. This grass type is prized for its ability to grow in shade and maintain a short height of 3/4 inches. Certain types of zoysia sod perform better in the shade than other types. "Emerald," "Meyer," "El Toro" and "Diamond" zoysia sod types can be grown in the shade, according to Clemson University Extension. Monitor your zoysia sod's thatch layer every year, because this grass type is a heavy producer of thatch.

    St. Augustine

    • St. Augustine sod is typically planted in southern areas of the country in the early spring. Gardeners typically sod their lawns with St. Augustine sod, because this grass type's seeds are very difficult to find. Cultivars of zoysia sod that perform well in the shade include "Palmetto," "Delmar," "Jade" and "Raleigh," according to Clemson University Extension. Be sure to plant your St. Augustine sod before the heat of summer, so that grass has enough time to establish roots.