Need to know what grass seed to use?

Lawn Neophyte – posted 14 February 2005 11:06

I live in Austin and moved into a home last fall. I have Saint Augustine in the front yard but it’s bare in the back. The backyard is heavily dense with shade because of the large oak trees. The Saint Augustine in the front is doing fine because of full sun but the little grass in the back died quickly. I used some tall fescue seed last fall and the grass is starting to take shape. I was wondering if I’m heading in the right direction with over seeding the backyard with tall fescue or should I use another grass?

ted – posted 14 February 2005 17:02

i’m guessing you have a little leaf loss, even in austin. this will help the fescue during your cooler months, but not when it warms back up. recommend pruning or turning the area into a landscape bed.

turfman – posted 09 March 2005 07:34

because of the hot summers and the lack of clay, i would suggest staying with your natiive grass( st augistine) or centipede. like ted said, prune that tree all the way until the tree forks about 10 to 15 feet high. alow photosythesis totake place.