Will red fescue grow in shade?

Category: home and garden landscaping
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Other grasses tolerate shade and can effectively compete with weeds. Fescue grass is the most shade tolerant turf. But even fescue can not grow in the dense shade under dogwood trees or closely spaced hardwood trees. Fescue is sometimes sold combined with creeping red fescue or bluegrass.



Similarly, you may ask, will creeping red fescue grow in shade?

Even though it is one of the best grasses for use in shade. it will tolerate full sun conditions although this could require more water. Creeping Red Fescue is used extensively in all types of turf areas including parks, roadsides, lawns, fairways, cemeteries, airfields, and other turf areas.

Additionally, what kind of grass grows in the shade in Texas? Types of Grass that Thrive in Shade Rye and fine, red and tall fescues: These only need four hours of sun a day, and particularly thrive in cooler regions. Zoysia and St. Augustine: These will grow in shade, and acclimate perfectly in the Texas heat.

Similarly, what kind of grass grows best in the shade?

For cool-season grass, Ryegrass and Fine and Tall Fescues offer the most shade tolerance. They require four hours of sun minimum to survive. Warm-season grasses that grow in some shade include Zoysiagrass and St. Augustinegrass.

How do you grow grass in the shade?

How to Grow Grass in Shaded Areas

  1. Evaluate the Amount of Sunlight. The rule of thumb for even shade-tolerant grasses is that they need at least three to four hours of direct sun, or four to six hours of dappled sunlight, per day.
  2. Find a Grass Seed That Works Well in Shade.
  3. Plant the Grass Seed.
  4. Water Well, and Watch It Grow.

36 Related Question Answers Found

How fast does creeping red fescue grow?

Establishment of Red Fescue Grass Seed
ft. Overseeding: 4 lbs per 1000 sq. ft. Planting Depth: 1/8 to 1/4" ; with germination in 7- 21 days.

Is red fescue the same as tall fescue?

The Tall Fescue grass species is a coarser bladed, dense clumping grass that grows well in shady areas. The Fine Fescues are fine, shorter fescue grass varieties named creeping red, hard fescue, chewings fescue and sheep fescue.

What is the best fescue for shade?

Fescue is sometimes sold combined with creeping red fescue or bluegrass. While the other grasses are very shade tolerant, they find difficulty surviving hot summers or foot traffic. Any of the turf-type fescues are good to use in shady zones.

Does fescue grass spread on its own?

Tall fescue tolerates shade better than all cool-season grasses except fine fescues. Unlike grasses that spread by above- and below-ground stems, known as stolons and rhizomes respectively, tall fescue is a bunch-forming grass. It does produce short rhizomes, but its spreading capacity is limited.

How much creeping red fescue seed do I need?


Red Fescue Planting. If you are planting a new lawn, you will need about 4 pounds of seed per 1000 square feet. Plant 1/8 inch deep and keep mowed at 3-4 inches high. While red fescue will grow fine on its own, it does much better when mixed with other grass seeds.

What is the best fertilizer for fescue?

Use a complete lawn fertilizer like 12-4-8 that contains a slow release form of nitrogen. Apply at a rate of 1.5 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet. Summer (optional): It is best not to fertilize fescue lawns during the summer months.

How tall is creeping red fescue?

While its cousin Chewings fescue grows upright, creeping red fescue creeps along the soil setting down short rhizomes. Its stems have a red base and grow from 6 to 36 inches in height. It bears a 2- to 5-inch long waxy seed head that may be green or red.

Does shade grass seed really work?

Zoysia grass is one of the best warm-season grasses for shady conditions. Fine fescues have the greatest shade tolerance among common cool-season grasses, while tall fescues do well in moderate shade. 1,2. Perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass need more sun, but some varieties tolerate light shade well.

What can I use instead of grass in my yard?


Eco-Friendly Alternatives to a Grassy Lawn
  • Groundcovers. Groundcovers sprawl across the ground but don't grow tall, eliminating the need to mow, providing the perfect alternative to grass.
  • Corsican Mint.
  • Creeping Thyme.
  • Clover.
  • Ornamental Grasses.
  • Evergreen Moss.
  • Native Perennial Beds.
  • Artificial Turf.

How do you landscape a shady yard?

Landscaping for Shade
  1. Technique #1: Thin Canopy trees.
  2. Technique #2: Create the Illusion of Sun Dappling. Includes a list of the top variegated shade plants.
  3. Technique #3: Shady Shrubs for North Foundations. Includes a list of the top shade-loving shrubs.
  4. Technique #4: Add Excitement to Shade with Perennials.

How often should I seed my lawn?

The Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance service recommends overseeding at least 45 days before your average first fall frost. In southern areas, overseed thinning lawns in late spring, as warm-season grasses enter active growth. For winter color, overseed southern lawns in fall.

How do you grow grass under a tree?

6 Tips for Growing Grass Under Trees
  1. Choose a Shade-Tolerant Variety. Most grass does not grow well in shade so it is very important that you choose a shade-tolerant grass that thrives in your area.
  2. Let in the Light.
  3. Feed Your Lawn.
  4. Keep It Long.
  5. Water Appropriately.
  6. Practice Stress Reduction.

Which St Augustine grass is best for shade?

Augustine, the most shade tolerant are Seville, Sapphire, Palmetto, and Bitter Blue. These shade-tolerant cultivars also do well in direct sunlight, flourishing in only five to six hours of sunlight. The most popular cultivar of St. Augustine, Floratam, needs at least six to eight hours of sunlight a day.

What is the most shade tolerant Zoysia grass?


Cavalier Zoysia is from the Zoysia Matrella family. It is fine bladed and has a softer feel when compared to Emerald Zoysia. It is the most shade tolerant of any of our varieties of Zoysia. Cavalier Zoysia is not as cold tolerant as Emerald, but does grow faster.

What grass grows best under trees?

With proper care and determination, you can successfully grow grass under a tree. Choosing shade-tolerant grasses such as fine fescue is about the only way to ensure the healthy growth of grass under trees. The grass seeds should be sown in early spring or fall and watered daily.