Best Grass for a SHady Lawn

JB – posted 07 May 2004 13:14

After leveling out a flat spot in a steep backyard, we are left with red clay and zero topsoil. It is a fairly large, shady area and we want to install sod. Huge purchase – NEED ADVICE! The landscaper recommended either Zoysia or St. Augustine Mercedes variety over 1 1/2″ topsoil minimum. We are in upstate SC, what do ya’ll think?

josepht – posted 09 May 2004 21:44

Jb

First you say you are in upstate SC howdy neighbor Im in NC not a stones throw from Gaffney

Second we have red clay here like you mentioned, If you want to use either of those grasses you are going to have to do ALOT of prep work and it will include alot of sand being brought in as well as top soil

Your best bet is to sod with a fescue sod if you want you can check out super sod they grow locally in Hickory and also in SC, I have used them in the past and I have also used others but to be honest I have never had a lot of luck with anything other than fescue here with out spending 2 times as much money

But it can be done fescue will be less costly in the long run and ALL of your landscape contractors will know how to treat and maintain the fescue over the Zoysia or St. Augustine,

You may want to get a second landscaper to give you an opnion and make sure they are not just a lawn Maintence company but a contractor

[This message has been edited by josepht (edited 09 May 2004).]