can you lay sod in a shady area

Does sod do well in the shade?

All turfgrass varieties are grown in full sun so transplanting them to a shady area is a big shock. Sod Solutions has top-ranked shade tolerant grasses according to numerous research studies, but we recommend that even shade tolerant grasses receive a minimum of four hours of sunlight per day to survive and thrive.

What kind of sod is best for shade?

Use Tall Fescue for shady areas in the Mid-Atlantic. We have found that DuraBlend® Tall Fescue Sod handles shade better than other types of sod in the area such as Bluegrass, Zoysia, and Bermuda.

How do you lay sod in the shade?

How to Lay Sod in the ShadeTill the area to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. ... Distribute a 1-2-1 lawn starting fertilizer evenly over the area with a broadcast spreader at rate of 1/2 pounds for each 1000 square feet of space. ... Sprinkle the soil to moisten it to a depth of 1/4 inch before laying the sod.More items...

Does sod need a lot of sunlight?

It needs a minimum of 3-4 hours of direct, not filtered, sunlight per day.

Will any grass grow in full shade?

For cool-season areas, grass that grows in shade would be Ryegrass and Fine and Tall Fescues, as they 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 a shaded yard?

Tips for Growing Grass in Shady AreasPrune.Aerate.Test your soil.Add compost.Fertilize with caution.Overseed.Water.Mow.More items...•

What month should you lay sod?

You can lay sod anytime during the growing season, as long as the ground is not frozen and you have adequate water for establishment and maintenance, although spring and early autumn are best. Cool temperatures combined with occasional rain help sod quickly root.

Do I need to put topsoil down before sod?

You need to add topsoil before laying sod if your existing topsoil is less than 2 inches (5 cm) deep and the soil below that is mostly clay or sand. Sod will struggle to root in extremely sandy or clay soil, so adding topsoil will help your grass flourish.

What is the best time to install sod?

Generally it is best to lay sod during the active growing period of your turfgrass species: cool-season grasses do best when planted during the early fall or early spring and the warm-season grasses do best when planted mid-late spring.

Can you walk on new sod?

Take care not to walk or run on new sod, as this can prevent the fragile young roots from developing properly. If you have pets, try to prevent as much contact with the newly installed sod as possible.

Can you over water new sod?

New sod does need to be watered more often than established grass to ensure that it will take root, but it is possible to put too much water on the sod. Too much water on your sod could make it soggy, which prevents it from establishing a strong root system.

Can it rain too much for new sod?

Can new sod get too much rain? The answer is yes, folks. Sod demands a good amount of water, but too much rain over a lengthy period of time makes it hard for the sod to establish strong roots.

What Zoysia is most shade-tolerant?

Emerald zoysia has less winter hardiness, but more shade tolerance than Meyer. It has a dark green color, a very fine leaf texture, good shade tolerance, high shoot density, and a low growth habit.

Will Saint Augustine grow in shade?

St. Augustinegrass is the most shade-tolerant warm-season grass, although it still needs 4 to 6 hours of sun to thrive. It is very susceptible to winter injury, especially if planted farther west than Columbia. There has also been documented winter injury along the northern coastal regions of South Carolina.

Is St. Augustine grass good for shade?

In the cool season areas, fescues are the most shade tolerant. In warm season areas, St. Augustinegrass is the best grass for shade, followed by zoysiagrass.

What kind of grass grows under trees?

Summary: If you want the turf to thrive under and around trees, one of the most important factors is the grass variety itself. Supina bluegrass, creeping red fescue, and shade cultivars of St. Augustinegrass offer advantages in the battle between tree shade and turf.