Texas shade tolerant grass

JB – posted 17 May 2004 14:51

My folks live north of Austin (Cedar Park Leander area) and they cannot get the grass to grow under their Live Oaks where it is shaded all day. The St. Augustine is great out in the sun in other areas of the yard. Any suugestions on what grass type might do well under the trees? We planted some Pennington Shade grass seed mix last weekend in hopes of getting something green in there while the house is on the market. It’s mostly Kentucky 31 tall fescue and Creeping Red Fescue so I know it won’t survive the summer. The area is quite large, 4 feet wide by 30 or 40 feet long on each side so a ground cover is not a desirable option. The area makes an L shape along the fence.

Thanks for your help!

Texas Creek Thom Henry – posted 18 May 2004 16:07

I planted some perennial rye last winter (I had NO grass in about a 1/2 acre field by the new house). It is about the only thing growing under the big trees. It grows thick, too.

cohiba – posted 18 May 2004 18:25

The perennial ryegrass is great for a winter overseed but you will be disappointed in the heat of the summer. Try Fine Fescue under the oaks. I don’t know exactly where you are but I think it will work out for you. I know it will be better than the ryegrass.

Good Luck…..

GregC – posted 18 May 2004 20:35

I was just speaking with some folks at the Home Depot off Brodie last weekend, and they said that the Fescue works fine (but make certain that it’s deep shade!).