Question
My yard is all Bermuda and I live in Arkansas.  I have some shaded areas where grass doesn't grow well and I was told to throw out rye seed which i did.  It looks horrible and I want to get rid of it.  What is the best way?  Should I sod with Bermuda?  is this the time of year?

thanks

Answer
Mike,

Out of the gate...I don't know warm season grasses, like Burmuda. In fact, that's more like a weed up here.   I mostly plant perennial ryegrass in the sun, and a rough bluegrass/fine fescue mix in the shade.

Here's a chart that may help:  http://forages.oregonstate.edu/organizations/seed/osc/brochures/seed-char.html

Second, sod won't work long term any better than seeded grass, it just looks good fast.  The problem will be the shade, and what's making it.  (Except, I wouldn't expect ryegrass to make it.)

If it's shade under a tree, then it's not just lack of light, but stiff competition for water and soil nutrients too.  The grass usually doesn't win.  If it survives in those conditions, it's due to some irrigation, and fertilizer.  

If it's wet shade, rough bluegrass can make it.  I've seen it work.

To get rid of grass I don't want, I usually cover it with a tarp, if I've got the time to wait (month), or spray it out with some broad-spectrum herbicide (I use Finale).  If you've got kids and pets around, you can also just spray it with straight vinegar on a sunny dry day.

For what it's worth,
Mark in Portland