What Grass Grows in Hot Florida in the Shade?

Discussion in 'Lawn Care' started by wildnwitty6, Apr 29, 2007.

  1. wildnwitty6

    wildnwitty6 New Seed

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    Hi, I live in Central Florida and I have 2 huge oak trees in my front yard (that aren't allowed to be moved). Of course where they are it gives off total shade and there is no grass there. We just moved into this house last year and I have no idea what to plant for grass in my entire yard due to the huge shaded area.

    I have heard of zoysia but haven't really heard anyone state that it will do well in a totally shaded area plus the extreme heat we have most of the year.

    Does anyone know what type of grass I can plant in my entire yard that will grow whether it's in shade or full sun and that will take the extreme heat of Florida? Oh and by the way, I don't have thousands of dollars to lay "soil" down and what they call "dirt" down here is actually just sand.

    Thank you for any help you can give!
     
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  3. julie

    julie New Seed

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    We have the same problem but our entire back yard. Have you found out anything.
     
  4. eileen

    eileen Resident Taxonomist Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    There are a few grasses here that might do well for you:

    http://www.bluestem.ca/carex.htm

    Also here is a 'recipe' specially designed for woodland shade that you could try out.

    25% Dwarf amenity perennial Rye Grass
    30% Strong CRF
    15% Rough Stalk Meadow Grass
    15% Smooth Stalk Meadow Grass
    10% Wood Meadow Grass
    3% Yorkshire Fog
    2% Creeping Bent

    It's ideal for wooded areas, orchards, hedgerows or areas with a tree canopy above.

    Th best height for this mixture is 15cm. Never reduce the height by more than 50% when you mow it -it only needs to be mown once a month. It's also suitable for use as a lawn but the Yorkshire Fog may make it slightly rough to the touch.
     
  5. Henry Johnson

    Henry Johnson In Flower

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    There are quite a few plants that can be used for groundcover not to mention stones, pavers, etc. Think about landscaping the area with benches around the trees, stuff like that. And what 'they' call dirt ANYWHERE is actually just 'dirt', think SOIL and remember that soil is a living entity. Look around your area, what is the ratio of 'ugly yards' to 'good-looking landscapes'. Somebody has learned to live in/with this Florida environment; why not you, also. If you try to fight it, you and your budget will suffer tremendously.
    Hank.......
     

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