The Grass Doctor

What is the best type grass for a shaded area?

I have an area around a wooden deck that is shaded about 80% of the time by large Bradford Pear trees. There is no grass on it and I've sodded with St Augustine and seeded with a shade blend, but I have nothing again this year. I'm in Texas, north of Dallas. Any Suggestions for a type of grass that will grow in this part of my yard.

Public Comments

1. I've always had very good luck with St. Augustine (I'm in Texas, too). Do you give it plenty of water? Is it possible you have used a fertilizer that wasn't meant for St. Augustine and it killed the grass? I don't know what type to recommend other than St. Augustine.
2. We planted perennial rye grass in a similar shady area and had great success. Just make sure that it is perennial (so it will come back every year) and that you give it enough water. It will germinate and develop quite quickly. Hope this helps.
3. Fescue is the most predominate seed in mixes that are blended for shade.
4. Fort Hood Texas area here...We really enjoy the drought resistant bermuda....We have it in full sun and partially shaded areas and its so soft and pretty.... Good Luck...
5. The problem may be the soil content. Send out a soil sample to be tested to a local lab. Fallen rotted fruits may have raised the PH level too much. Lack of grass is always a problem under established fruit trees.