What Types of Grass Seed for Shade in Texas?

St. Augustine Grass

• St. Augustine is considered one of the most shade tolerant of all the warm-weather grasses. Although it is found throughout the state of Texas, St. Augustine grass is particularly well suited for the southeastern part of Texas where rainfall is more common and heavy frosts are less likely to occur. This grass has the ability to tolerate high temperatures and can adapt to different types of soils. It is good at choking off weeds and other types of grasses in the area. St. Augustine is often established from plugs, but can be planted from seed as well.

Zoysia

• Zoysia is another of the warm-weather grasses that has the ability to tolerate both shade and sun. Another plus is can withstand cold temperatures better than most warm-weather grasses, making it a good choice for both the northern and southern areas of Texas. An aggressive grass that will choice off weeds and other grasses in the area, zoysia grows well in different types of soil conditions. One of the first of the warn-weather grasses to turn green in the spring after being dormant and turning brown in the winter, zoysia forms a thick turf and can handle heavy amounts of traffic. Because zoysia grows slowly, it does not require a lot of maintenance such as mowing.

Centipede

• Native to Asia and first established in America in 1916 from seed, centipede grass grows in both sunny and shaded conditions. It is good choice for the areas of Texas along the Gulf Coast because it does well in soil with good drainage and sand. Centipede has a green color that makes for an attractive lawn. It can be grown from seed or sprigs and does not need a lot of fertilizer or water. Centipede tolerates high heat, is resistant to diseases and has a thick turf that prevents weeds from growing. It also spreads quickly.

Carpetgrass

• Carpetgrass will grow in shaded areas, although it does not do as well in areas with limited sun as St. Augustine, zoysia and centipede. It is another good choice for coastal areas because of its ability to grow well in wet and sandy soil. Capable of being planted from seed or sprigs, carpetgrass also grows well in soil without a lot of fertility. This makes it a popular choice for areas such as parks, roadsides and the rough of golf course. Well suited for areas with high temperatures, carpetgrass is durable because of its thick turf. The fact it has shallow roots means it is not good at drawing water from the ground and does not do well in areas with arid conditions.