Spotty Lawn Under Redwoods (Sacramento): Shade-Tolerant Fescue or Grass-Like Covers

Dwarf Mondo Grass

Question: Near Sacramento, lawn surrounded by redwoods, mostly shady, very thin. Tried many grass seeds.

Answer: Fescue for True Grass; Liriope, Mondo Grass, Pachysandra, Periwinkle for Covers

Fescue – very shade-tolerant; use fescue fertilizer.
Liriope spicata – aggressive spread, flowers, thick turf, deep shade OK.
Liriope 'Silver Dragon' – variegated, reverts to green in deep shade, less aggressive.
Dwarf Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) – full shade, drought-tolerant, 6", coarse grass look.
Pachysandra & Periwinkle (Vinca minor) – top deep-shade groundcovers.

—Mark Harshman | mahdrafting.com

Landscaping and Design: Best Grass for Shade: Fine Fescue and Grass-Like Alternatives; Reviving Lawn Burned by Weed Killer; Grass Won't Grow Under a Maple? It's Shade, Not Just Roots; Heavy Shade Lawn Alternatives: Beyond Grass; Central Florida Deep Shade: St. Augustine Varieties or Groundcovers; Growing Grass in Heavy Shade: Reality Check and Practical Solutions; Establishing Shade Lawns Under Maple Trees; Establishing a Lawn Under Oak Trees with Limited Irrigation; Grass Seed Selection for Sun/Shade Mix in Zone 6; Growing Grass in Shade: Strategies for Success

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