Can grass grow in complete shade, and if so, what specific types of grass are best suited for areas with virtually no direct sunlight? I’m trying to landscape a small area under a dense tree canopy on the north side of my house where sunlight is almost nonexistent, and I’m wondering if it’s even possible to establish a lawn there, or if I should consider alternative ground cover options. If some grasses can survive, what are their specific shade tolerance characteristics (e.g., required soil moisture, fertilizer needs, susceptibility to disease) that I should be aware of, and what steps can I take during planting and maintenance to maximize their chances of success in such a challenging environment? I would also be interested in knowing the typical appearance (color, texture, growth habit) of these shade-tolerant grasses.

Answer

No, grass cannot grow in complete shade.

While some types of grass are more shade-tolerant than others, all grasses require at least some sunlight to perform photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy (sugars) that they use for growth and survival. Without light, grass cannot produce the energy it needs to live.

Even shade-tolerant grasses still need a minimum amount of indirect sunlight or dappled sunlight exposure throughout the day. “Complete shade” implies a total absence of sunlight, which is an environment where grass cannot survive.

In areas with very deep shade, ground covers that do not require much sunlight, such as moss, pachysandra, hostas, ferns, or artificial turf, are typically used instead of grass.