The Grass Doctor

What is the best type of grass for under an oak tree?

I live in southern Florida and have an oak tree in the front yard. It has dropped a ton of leaves and the yard is currently plain dirt under those leaves. What type of grass will grow well under the tree? We have two dogs that run around outside and bring in a tremendous amount of dirt. We want to put down new, thick sod down...that will be tough enough to handle the dogs and the area of shade but don't know what type is the best.

Public Comments

1. i think any grass will do
2. Very few grasses will grow in heavy shade. St. Augustine and zoysia are the only two that come readily to mind. St. Augustine requires a lot of water while zoysia isn't quite so thirsty.
3. You need a shade-tolerant grass. No grass will grow in deep shade. Some sun must get in either early/late in the day or through the leaves. You can make the shade a bit lighter by trimming off the lower limbs of the tree, but never cut the tops of the tree. Topping destroys the tree's form, and can lead to disease and death of the tree. If your entire lawn is shaded you may be better off installing paving, or understory plants such as ferns. Below are two links. The first is for grasses; the second for other plants.
4. Here in California, we discourage growing grass underneath oak trees. It can kill the tree. Instead, use a gravel or bark mulch and save on the irrigation and maintenance.
5. Oaks need little to no supplemental water. They do not like alot of it. If you plant grass under it, it will need much more water than the tree needs and the tree can die. Mulch is a better option. You can also put pavers or a deck around it so you're not walking on dirt. Just be sure not to disturb their roots.
6. Call your local county extension agent for suggestion. It is their job to know.
7. Almost no grass will grow under an oak tree. You could try pachysandra, which is evergreen and grows only about 5" tall, with inconspicuous white flowers in the spring. No animals bother it, such as deer, rabbits, etc. Or you could try liriope, which I believe will grow even in deep shade such as under an oak tree. It's a type of ornamental grass, usually about 6" high, doesn't need mowing, it's evergreen in your area I believe, and it has pretty blooms in spring (either lavender or purple or white). It's a very elegant look. Here's a pic http://www.floridata.com/ref/L/images/liro_mu4.jpg