Grow Grass in the Shade
You can grow a pretty swath of lawn in a shady spot , as long as you pick the right grass and take care of it properly. Most turf grasses need at least four hours of direct sun to survive , but specialized shade-tolerant grass blends thrive in four hours of dappled sun or partial shade. In the cool-season grass category, the shade-tolerant grasses are rye and fine and tall fescues. Warm-season grasses that grow in shade include zoysia and St. Augustine. Lawn under Shade of Trees Pruning Trees Many times shady areas beneath trees and tall shrubs can be lightened up by pruning limbs. As you prune, aim to thin the canopy so that sunlight can penetrate to the grass beneath. With trees, it’s also a good idea to remove lower branches in a process called “limbing up.” By raising the canopy of the tree, you’re creati...