Laura Chaves Missouri Botanical Garden
Q: The grass underneath my shade trees dies back every year no matter what I try. What's the most shade tolerant turfgrass?
A: While turfgrasses typically appreciate some sun (at least three hours), chewings fescue (Festuca rubra ssp. commutata) and other fine fescue species like creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra spp. rubra) are the most shade tolerant.
These fine fescue species have a low nitrogen requirement and good drought tolerance, but they struggle with heat, traffic and a disease called summer patch, particularly if they are grown in sun in the St. Louis area.
Seed of chewings or creeping red fescue is most commonly sold in a mix with other turfgrass species, so look for seed mixes that have a high percentage of fine fescue on the label (usually found on the back of the bag).
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Tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus) is considered somewhat shade tolerant, while Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) have poor shade tolerance so consider this when deciding what seed to use.
If repeated attempts to establish turf from seed of shade-tolerant grasses like fine fescues have failed, consider converting the area under your trees to mulch, which should be beneficial to their overall health. You can also consider planting some perennial ground covers that are better suited to tolerate dense shade. You can find more information about selecting the best type of turfgrass for your growing environment here: extension.illinois.edu/lawns/preparing-your-lawn.
Write to the Missouri Botanical Garden's Center for Home Gardening at [email protected] or the Horticulture Answer Service, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110.
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