Most Floridian yards and gardens require shade to compensate for the immense heat of the region. If your yard is shaded, unfortunately, there are several species of grass that cannot survive in such conditions.
The good news is that there is a myriad of grasses that thrive in the shade. If your yard is under vast areas of shade and you need to improve your lawn with fresh sod, we provide several options for you. The grass we provide will not die due to low light conditions or overwatering. Our sod has also adapted to withstand heavy and frequent traffic.
The following are assortments of grass that can withstand lowlight conditions:
1. St. Augustine Grass
- St. Augustine grass is a very popular warm-season grass with a vast array of applications. Each blade is flat and broad with an attractive dark green hue.
- This species of grass creates a lush carpet-like surface capable of crowding out weeds and other competing wild grasses.
- St. Augustine grass comes in different varieties such as Delmar, Seville, and Captiva. Most assortments of St. Augustine grass thrive in low light conditions.
- What makes St. Augustine grass unique is that it will hold its color more effectively than other species when confronted with long-term drought.
- St. Augustine grass prefers soil with a pH rating between 5.0 and 8.5.
2. Manila Grass (Zoysia Matrella)
- Manila Grass is the best option for those living in the hottest areas of Florida. Blades of Manila grass are slim and flexible with a light to medium green hue, forming a thick carpet through which few weeds can permeate.
- Manila grass is known for its heat resistance and drought tolerance. It also features low water and maintenance requirements.
- Manila grass prefers soil with a pH rating between 5.8 and 7.0.
3. Kentucky Bluegrass
- Kentucky Bluegrass is superior in cool climates but has some limiting qualities. The blades have distinctive, boat-like tips that gather to conjure an alluring dark green.
- Kentucky Bluegrass is known for its exceptional winter hardiness, but due to its relatively shallow roots, has low tolerance to heat and drought.
- Varieties of Kentucky Bluegrass include Nugget, Moonlight, Brilliant, Liberator, Showcase, Glade, Coventry and Quantum. Each assortment of Kentucky Bluegrass handle shade and traffic related stress differently. Keep this in mind when selecting the best variety for your lawn.
- Kentucky Bluegrass prefers soil with a pH rating between 5.8 and 7.0.
Growing and maintaining grass in a shaded yard can be challenging. It requires care and diligence when selecting the best grass to survive in such conditions.
If you need help selecting or inserting sod in the Orlando or St. Augustine area, be sure to reach out to us at 1StopSod.