On Apr 3, 2:31 am, wrote:
Hi all! I would like to plant grass in our back yard that has several
trees. It gets some sun, but not much, it's usually shady during the
day. I would like your expert advice on the following issues:

1. When to plant grass? Note: According to city ordinance, I MUST
plant grass between now and May 15, which leaves me a little over a
month. I don't know if it's the best time for planting or not but I
have no choice. So I wonder if it's wrong time to plant, what will the
consequences be (i.e. will the grass grow this summer, will I have to
use some special care, etc.)?


I think that you are in for a world of disappointment. Growing grass
under trees where it gets little or no sun is not likely to give you
good results even if you use shade-tolerant grasses. I don't know the
climate of St Louis but if you are in an area subject to heavy frost
or snow in the winter your grass will be struggling that much harder.
Aside from shading the grass trees often steal all the water and
nutrients too.

Unless you need it to provide a playing area for sports or for small
children grass is a highly over rated ground cover that is very
resource intensive. I would be looking for alternatives despite what
the authorities say. Surely a living ground cover that suits your
climate and situation or a well made non-living material (eg pavers)
is better for the amenity of the area than a dust bowl / mud puddle.
If they complain tell them to make it grow in shade by legislation.

2. What type of grass should I plant that grows best in the shade?

Select a specifically shade tolerant variety if you must.

David