[Skylude]

I would really like to get some grass planted or sod put down in my yard. I have a few concerns. Firstly it is in an area that doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight. I recently moved to Southern California and noticed the grass here is somewhat different, possibly due to amount of water. I am wondering what type of grass would work best in a low sunlight area, and the benefits and disadvantages of both sod vs planting. Thanks for your help!

[smoothy]

Can't recommend a certain seed for your climate... but I would avoid sod. Because sod is farmed and grown in full sunlight so it won't be a shade tollerant type that doesn't like full sun.

How much direct sunlight would that grass see everyday... try and be honest. It really does matter.

If there is a shade AND drought tollerant type the choices will be slim. And no grass likes full shade all the time. It all needs some direct sunlight to thrive.

[Skylude]

It doesn't have to be drought tolerant as I can water it just fine, just shade tolerant if possible. Its facing west so it only gets sunlight in the evening, maybe 3-4 hours possibly a bit more I'll have to pay more attention to the amount of sunlight it gets.

[smoothy]

You want some seed that's listed for shady areas... and you will have to grow it from seed... loosen up the soil, put the seed down some starter fertalizer... straw to help keep it moist.

3-4 hours should be enough for the shade tollerant variety... but remember its going to be a job getting it established. Took me years to get mine to where it is... which isn't perfect, but netter than moss and bare dirt.

If its under pine trees you are screwed... nothing likes growing under those. Grass isn't very happy in acidic soil. Moss however loves it. You need it tested if it is, but that's just a good basic indicator. You can overdue it in the alkiline direction too.

[Skylude]

It is under pine trees...

[smoothy]

Ooooooo. Hopefully someone has some better ideas... I've never actually seen grass grow happily too close to a pine tree. Within a few feet yes... right up to it? Might be chemically due to the pine needles, might be something else. Not enough of an expert on horticology for that level of knowledge.

Do these pine trees have limbs on say the lower 10-15 feet?

[Skylude]

Yeah they do. The pine tree is about 15 feet away from the grass but the pine needles do drop in the yard.