Shade can cause significant growth changes in grass plants. In response to reduced sunlight, grass plants form more of an upright growth habit including thinner, longer leaves; shallower rooting; lower plant energy levels and becomes less dense.

Some grass types have developed a tolerance or adaptation to reduced light levels. Others have not. Below is a table that ranks common turfgrass species according to their shade tolerance.

Ranking turfgrass species according to shade tolerance
Ranking	Cool-Season	Warm-Season
High	Fine Fescue
	Rough Bluegrass
	Annual Bluegrass
Medium	Tall Fescue	Centipedegrass
	Perennial Ryegrass	St. Augustinegrass
	Kentucky Bluegrass	Zoysiagrass
	Creeping Bentgrass
Low		Bermudagrass

Critical component

Light is critical for the development and growth of turfgrasses. Starting with the seed and progressing through to plant maturity, light is needed for energy, reproduction and seed germination.

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Shade Tolerance of Common Turfgrasses

Critical component