Best Grass for Shady Yards in Northeast Florida

Jacksonville is blessed with beautiful oak canopies. But those majestic trees create a challenge: shade. And shade is the enemy of most grass. If your lawn looks thin and patchy despite your best efforts, it's probably not your fault--it's a sunlight problem.

How Much Shade is Too Much?

All grass needs some sunlight to photosynthesize. Here's the minimum:

• Full sun grasses (Floratam, Bermuda): Need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight
• Shade-tolerant grasses (Palmetto, some Zoysia): Need 4-6 hours of filtered/dappled sunlight
• Dense shade (less than 4 hours): No grass will consistently thrive

The Best Shade-Tolerant Grasses for Jacksonville

1. Palmetto St. Augustine (Top Pick)

Palmetto is the gold standard for shade in Florida. It requires only 4-5 hours of sunlight per day and maintains good color even under moderate tree cover. It's also more cold-tolerant than Floratam, which matters in North Florida.

2. Seville St. Augustine

Seville is similar to Palmetto but with finer blades and slightly better shade tolerance. It's a great choice for upscale landscapes where you want both shade performance and aesthetics.

3. CitraBlue St. Augustine

A newer variety with excellent shade tolerance and improved disease resistance. It's gaining popularity in Florida and worth considering if you have had issues with fungal problems.

When Grass Won't Work: Alternatives

If your yard has dense shade--under thick oak canopy, north side of the house--sometimes the honest answer is: grass isn't going to work there.

Rather than fighting a losing battle, consider:

• Mulch beds: Clean, low-maintenance, and actually looks intentional
• Groundcover plants: Asiatic jasmine, mondo grass, or ferns thrive in shade
• Pine straw: Common in Florida and matches the natural environment
• Hardscape: Pavers, stepping stones, or gravel paths

Tips for Shade Lawn Success

• Mow higher: Set your mower to 4 inches. Taller grass has more leaf surface to capture limited sunlight.
• Water less: Shaded areas don't dry out as fast. Overwatering in shade invites fungus.
• Thin your tree canopy: A certified arborist can prune lower branches to let more light through.
• Accept imperfection: Shaded grass will never look as lush as full-sun grass. That's just reality.

Need help assessing your shade situation? Schedule a free estimate and I'll give you an honest assessment of what will and won't work in your yard.