Best Shade Grass Seed

Shady areas in the yard can be a challenge. To achieve a healthy lawn in shaded areas, you must select the best shade grass seed. 

From tall fescue and perennial ryegrass to centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, and Zoysiagrass, these grass types do best in the shade and are specifically adapted to low-light conditions, helping you achieve a beautiful lawn even in the absence of sunlight.

Types of shade

The level of shade your lawn gets can directly impact its health. Dappled, partial, and full shade don’t all mean the same thing, and each has varying implications for lawn growth. Here’s a breakdown of the different shade types your lawn can be exposed to:

• Dappled or filtered shade: This occurs when sunlight is obstructed by objects such as trees, shrubs, or other structures. The sunlight is diffused or filtered, resulting in a softer, less intense light. Grass suited for filtered shade can thrive in these conditions, often benefiting from the gentle, indirect light.
• Partial shade: When your yard has partial shade, it gets sunlight only for part of the day, meaning the conditions are mixed. The sunlight can hit the eastern or western part of the yard, but it’s never on all sides. Grass suited for partial shade will need to tolerate both sun and shade, so versatility and adaptability are key.
• Full shade: This refers to areas in a landscape that receive very little direct sunlight throughout the day. This is typically caused by dense tree canopies, buildings, or other structures blocking sunlight from reaching the ground. As such, grasses that thrive in full shade are adapted to low-light conditions.

Best grass seed for shady areas

As already discussed, the amount of shade your lawn gets can directly impact the health of your grass. 

When it comes to shade tolerance, cool-season grasses are often better than warm-season varieties. This is due to their:

• Adaptability to cooler, northern climates where sunlight is limited due to clouds and shorter daylight hours.
• Leaf structure of the grass, which is narrower and more upright, allowing them to capture sunlight easier in the shade.
• Reduced light requirements, which translate to less need for photosynthesis.

Our selection of the best cool-season and warm-season grass seeds for shady areas can cultivate vibrant, enticing outdoor spaces whether in the sun or shade.

Fine fescue

Arguably the most shade-tolerant grass out there, fine fescue basks in the shade, so to speak. Whether it grows under trees, near buildings, or wherever the sun doesn’t shine, fine fescue will easily call these spots home.

Its deep root system enables it to access water and nutrients even in shady conditions. As it grows more slowly than other species, fine fescue can conserve energy and resources in low-light environments.

With its needle-like blades and fine texture (hence the name), fine fescue produces velvety carpets of grass that add a touch of finesse to any yard. It’s also low-maintenance, reducing the need for frequent mowing and watering. The best shade varieties are creeping red fescue, hard fescue, or chewings fescue.

Classification: Cool-season grass

Shade tolerance: Moderate to high (partial to full)

Foot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate

Recommended mowing height for shade: 2-3 inches

Best places to grow: Under trees, along shaded garden borders, beneath shrubs and bushes, near fences or hedges

Other notes: Often used in a mix with other cool-season grasses, especially in sun/shade mixes

Grass Seed Options:
– Outsidepride Legacy Fine Fescue Grass Seed (5 lbs.)
– Eretz Creeping Red Fine Fescue Seed (choose your size)
– Outsidepride Creeping Red Fine Fescue Grass Seed (25 lbs.)

Rough bluegrass

Rough bluegrass is Kentucky bluegrass’ more shade-resistant cousin. It has narrow, greenish-yellowish blades and forms dense, thick clumps. The great thing about this grass seed is that it can reach a happy medium between sun and shade and thrive in either.

The downside? According to the UMass Extension (Center for Agriculture), rough bluegrass must grow in moist, fertile soil conditions away from drought, heat, and heavy foot traffic. It cannot be mixed with other varieties, which limits your ability to incorporate other grass types into your lawn. Since it must be planted on its own, this grass type requires a significant commitment to upkeep.

Classification: Cool-season grass

Shade tolerance: Moderate to high (partial to full, as long as full shade isn’t prolonged)

Foot traffic tolerance: Low

Recommended mowing height for shade: 1.5 to 2 inches, slightly higher in summer

Best places to grow: Under or near trees, on shaded sides of buildings, between buildings or other outdoor structures, along fences, near shrubs or bushes

Other notes: The North Carolina Extension cautions against use in full sun, where it can become an aggressive spreader and crowd out most other present turfgrasses.

Tall fescue

Tall fescue is a highly adaptable grass with good shade tolerance and the ability to form dense, relatively low-maintenance lawns. While they love the sun, tall fescue grasses can grow under trees or along homes where direct sunlight is obstructed. This is due to their deep root systems and ability to adapt to different light conditions.

This grass type adds plenty of visual appeal to any yard, while its mowing, fertilization, and watering needs are lower than those of other turfgrasses. Fescue is easy to establish, has a coarse texture, and stays green during the cold months when warm-season grasses turn brown and dormant. This bunch-type grass grows most vigorously during spring and fall – as cool-season grasses do.

Classification: Cool-season grass

Shade tolerance: Moderate (partial)

Foot traffic tolerance: Moderate, but low ability to recuperate from wear

Recommended mowing height for shade: 2-4 inches (Check your cultivar and state recommendations. Many tall fescue lawns grow best when they’re mowed on the tall side.)

Best places to grow: 

Other notes: Reseed every few years to repair bare spots and thinning; don’t plant old varieties such as Kentucky-31; look for “turf-type” tall fescue (TTTF). Seed blends with more than one TTTF cultivar give the best chance for a strong lawn.

Grass Seed Options:
– Triple-Play Tall Fescue Grass Seed Blend (5000 sq ft)
– Eretz Kentucky 31 K31 Tall Fescue Grass Seed (choose your size)
– Pennington The Rebels Tall Fescue Grass Seed Mix (7 lb.)

Kentucky bluegrass

Kentucky bluegrass is a popular grass choice for homeowners looking to grow lush, dense, vibrant, fine-textured lawns. Despite being a cool-season grass, Kentucky bluegrass is a big fan of the sun. 

That said, if your yard receives partial shade, you don’t have to give up on the idea of growing a Kentucky bluegrass lawn. This grass type can adapt to moderate shade conditions, but expect to see less vigor compared to sun growth.

Make sure it receives between four and five hours of partial sun and amend your lawn in case of any changes to the amount of shade your yard gets (for example if you build an addition to your house that results in full shade). 

To make your Kentucky bluegrass lawn more shade tolerant, mix it with other species such as perennial ryegrass or fine fescue and reduce competition from trees, plants, or shrubs for nutrients, light, and water.

Classification: Cool-season grass

Shade tolerance: Moderate (partial, not too dense)

Foot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate, but recuperates well

Recommended mowing height for shade: 2-3 inches

Best places to grow: Open or play areas, around flower beds, along walkways, as borders for garden beds, on sports fields or slopes, in visible areas of the yard where you can showcase its lush, green color and beautiful texture.

Other notes: Produces a dense lawn under ideal conditions; many of these traits (shade tolerance, drought resistance, etc.) vary widely by cultivar, with newer cultivars generally being hardier, more resistant to disease, etc.; mow taller in summer.

Grass Seed Options:
– Jonathan Green (11970) Blue Panther Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed (3 lbs.)
– SeedRanch Midnight Kentucky Bluegrass Seed (5 lbs.)
– Jacklin Seed – Biltmore Blue Blend – 100% Kentucky Bluegrass (5 lbs.)

Perennial ryegrass

If you have a yard with shade and sun, consider perennial ryegrass. Due to its rapid germination and establishment rate, ryegrass is often used for overseeding shaded areas or for quickly filling in bare spots under trees or behind buildings.

Well-known for its durability and resilience to heavy foot traffic, ryegrass is a top choice for areas where kids and pets are always out and about. This hardy grass type has a fine, glossy texture, producing lush lawns that look beautiful under sunny skies or shady trees.

Classification: Cool-season grass

Shade tolerance: Low to moderate (dappled, some partial)

Foot traffic tolerance: High but poor recuperative ability

Recommended mowing height for shade: 2.5-3 inches

Best places to grow: Under trees, shrubs, or bushes, in shaded gardens, along northern-facing walls with partial sun.

Other notes: Most often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue in a cool-season mix; well known for its excellent striping ability, low mowing tolerance (reel mower fans, this one’s for you), and rapid germination rate (four to seven days). Needs moderate levels of fertilizer.

Grass Seed Options:
– Outsidepride Perennial Ryegrass Seed (5 lbs.)
– Eretz ProTurf Perennial Ryegrass Fine Lawn Seed (choose your size)

St. Augustinegrass

If you’re looking for a grass type that forms a dense, deep turf and has the highest shade tolerance of the warm-season grasses, St. Augustinegrass is your best bet. Its ability to tolerate a range of light conditions makes it suitable for lawns with varying degrees of sunlight exposure. Nevertheless, it still needs around four to six hours of sun a day to thrive.

It grows best during the warm months of spring, summer, and early fall, has broad, coarse blades, and boasts an attractive bluish-green color. 

St. Augustine is considered fairly high maintenance and susceptible to winter injury but has a good tolerance to salt. On sandy soil, expect to fertilize it monthly. 

Some excellent St. Augustine shade-tolerant cultivars include:

• Palmetto
• Seville
• Raleigh
• Sapphire
• Bitter blue

Classification: Warm-season grass
Shade tolerance: Moderate (partial)
Foot traffic tolerance: Moderate
Recommended mowing height for shade: 2.5-4 inches (mow dwarf cultivars from 2.5-3 inches, standard cultivars from 3-4 inches, mow tall in shade)
Best places to grow: Near homes or outdoor structures that provide shade, under trees or tall shrubs, in other areas that receive partial shade throughout the day
Other notes: Unlike other grass types, it doesn’t do well in compacted, clay soils

Grass Plug Options:
– Seed Ranch St Augustine Seville Grass Plugs (2 Trays)
– Seed Ranch St Augustine Floratam Grass Plugs (2 Trays)

Zoysiagrass

Zoysiagrass produces a dense, attractive turf if properly established and maintained. It likes full sun and partial shade, often thinning out in dense shade. Zoysia grows slower than other grasses, and it’s generally established by sodding or plugging. As a result of its dense growth habit, it can capture and use sunlight more efficiently in shady areas, thus contributing to more efficient photosynthesis.

A Zoysiagrass lawn is high-maintenance, similar to St. Augustinegrass. Depending on your soil type, you may need to fertilize it 3 to 4 times per growing season. It should be mowed as low as possible, but do avoid cutting it too short (also called scalping).

Classification: Warm-season grass
Shade tolerance: Moderate (partial)
Foot traffic tolerance: High
Recommended mowing height for shade: 2-2.5 inches
Best places to grow: Under trees or near structures that provide partial shade, such as fences.
Other notes: Homeowners who love hosting BBQ parties in their yards prefer this grass variety for its resilience to foot traffic.

Some excellent Zoysiagrass shade-tolerant cultivars include:

• Zeon
• Empire
• Geo
• Royal
• Diamond
• Palisades
• El Toro
• Emerald (hybrid)

Grass Plug and Seed Options:
– Zoysia Plugs (50 Large Grass Plugs)
– Zoysia Plugs (50 Full & Lush Grass Plugs)
– Zoysia Plugs (100 Plugs)
– Zoysia Emerald Grass Seeds (1/8 lb. of seeds)
– Zenith Zenith Grass Seeds (1/8 lb. of seeds)

Centipedegrass

In addition to being Granny Smith green, low-growing, and medium-textured, centipedegrass can tolerate gentle pine-tree shade. It prefers direct sunlight, but can survive with as little as six hours of sun exposure a day. While it doesn’t match St. Augustine or Zoysia in shade tolerance, centipedegrass can still be a viable option for a yard with partial shade.

It’s generally recommended that homeowners avoid overfertilizing centipedegrass, as this reduces its cold tolerance and attracts diseases and pests. When it comes to establishment, either seed or sod will do.

Some excellent centipedegrass shade-tolerant cultivars include:

• Oaklawn
• Tennessee Hardy
• TifBlair

Classification: Warm-season grass
Shade tolerance: Low to moderate (dappled to partial)
Foot traffic tolerance: Low
Recommended mowing height for shade: 1.5-2 inches – increase the mowing height by ½ inch if the area is shaded
Best places to grow: Under lightly shaded trees, near the home, along bushes
Other notes: Avoid overfertilization and high nitrogen rates to lessen the risk of diseases and pest infestations.

Grass Seed Options:
– Gulf Kist Coated Centipedegrass Seeds (1 lb.)
– Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Centipedegrass (3.75 lbs.)
– TifBlair Centipedegrass (5-lb. bag)
– Pennington Centipedegrass and Mulch (5-lb. bag)

Potential issues with growing grass in shady areas

Growing grass in low-light conditions can make establishing a healthy turf difficult. Here are some reasons why:

• Limited sunlight: It may go without saying, but a lack of sunlight typically means less photosynthesis (the process by which they produce energy and maintain their vibrant color). With less energy available, their ability to absorb water and nutrients is diminished. This results in a slower growth rate, reduced vitality, or pest and disease issues.
• Thinner turf: Turf areas prone to shade may become sparse and patchy, contributing to an overall unattractive look to your lawn.
• Increased moisture and potential waterlogging: In the shade, moisture doesn’t evaporate as fast, leading to higher humidity levels and waterlogging. These can often lead to fungal diseases such as mold and mildew, which in turn can hurt your grass and affect its ability to reach its full potential.
• Poor root growth: Grasses that grow in shaded areas may have more difficulty developing deep root systems than those with direct access to sunlight. This is mainly due to reduced photosynthesis, which in turn equals less energy to invest in root development.

How to grow grass successfully in shady areas

Growing healthy grass in shady areas is no easy feat. It requires experience, time, effort, and money – in one word, commitment. To help you achieve a lush, healthy grass despite the shade in your yard, follow these steps:

• Determine the shade level in your yard: This means pinpointing whether your yard is exposed to dappled, partial, or full shade (described at the beginning of this article). To do this, observe the area throughout the day and watch how the sun hits your property. It will help you figure out which parts receive the most shade and which grass type is suitable.
• Choose your grass type: Again, selecting the right grass type should go hand in hand with the shade in your yard. But you should also consider the climate, your budget, and maintenance abilities.
• Prepare the soil: Remove debris, rocks, or weeds from the lawn target area. Test the soil to determine whether amendments are necessary. Based on the results, add fertilizer and try to incorporate compost or mulch into your lawn care routine for extra organic matter. Before planting, aerate the soil to ensure better seed-soil contact. Cool-season grasses benefit from core aeration in early fall, while warm-season grasses are best aerated in late spring to early summer.
• Plant your seed or install your sod: Depending on time constraints and your budget, you may choose either seed or sod for establishing your lawn. If unsure, discuss your options with a local professional or ask someone at your local gardening store.
• Care for your new lawn: This includes fertilization, proper watering, and monitoring. You should practice responsible lawn care and watch for weeds, pests, and diseases.
• Add more light to your lawn: This can improve the health of your grass in shady areas. Some options include pruning trees and shrubs, removing large trees (discuss this with an arborist beforehand), and thinning out vegetation that contributes to heavy shade. You could also try adding more light reflective surfaces around your lawn, such as light-colored gravel or mulch.
• Mow at the correct height: Once your grass is established, mow at the correct height for shade-tolerant types. In the shade, grass needs as much blade surface as possible to absorb the most amount of light. This means mowing by around half an inch to an inch taller in shady areas than in sunny ones.
• Reduce foot traffic: Grasses in shady areas already have a hard time growing strong. It’s best to keep foot traffic to a minimum to promote dense growth, prevent soil compaction, reduce stress, and improve visual appeal (grasses in shady areas can look thinner and less vibrant).

FAQ about the best grass seed for shady areas

What alternatives are there for grass in shady areas?

Fast-growing ground covers can be an excellent alternative in areas where traditional turfgrasses may struggle to thrive. In addition to their adaptability to low-light conditions, groundcovers require little maintenance, provide visual appeal due to various available textures, colors, and foliage types, and help control soil erosion.

Can I mix different grass seed varieties for shaded areas?

Mixing different grass seed varieties can be a beneficial approach to maximizing the potential for a resilient and visually attractive lawn. You can leverage their individual strengths and increase your lawn’s overall adaptability to a lack of sunlight. Try any of the following combinations:

• Fine fescue blend: For optimal shade tolerance, this can include chewings fescue, hard fescue, and red fescue (also mentioned above).
• Fine fescue/perennial ryegrass blend: Mixing fine fescue with perennial ryegrass can provide shade tolerance and durability in one go. Ryegrass offers fast germination and establishment, while fine fescue is resilient to shade.
• Store-bought shade seed blend: You’ll often find specialized shade seed blends at your local gardening store. These will typically contain a mix of the abovementioned shade-tolerant grass types.

Is using mulch a good way to improve the success rate of grass in shaded areas?

Yes, mulch or other organic matter amendments can help grass grow healthier in a low-light area. This is because it:

• Regulates soil temperature. This is especially beneficial in shaded areas where temperatures may be cooler. To successfully germinate and establish seed, temperatures should be more stable and reach a happy medium between cool and warm.
• Helps suppress weeds. In dappled or partial shade, mulch can provide additional shade to prevent weed seeds from germinating. As long as your grass seed has a good shade tolerance, mulching shouldn’t present a problem for your grass to establish.
• Adds organic matter to the soil. Anything from shredded leaves to compost and straw can add beneficial nutrients to the soil, improving its structure, microbial activity, and fertility, thus helping grass seed growth.

A pro can lend a helping hand

Want to transform your shady yard into a lush, green, outdoor space? Select one of the best shade grass seed varieties.

And remember, if lawn care feels like too much work, a local pro can show you the ropes and help you achieve your dream lawn.

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Main Image Credit: Kentucky Bluegrass | Shutterstock