Fineleaf fescues (chewings fescue, hard fescue, and creeping red fescue) are adept at capturing scarce sunlight because of the geometry of their leaf blades.  The needle-like blades do not shade each other, allowing for more sunlight exposure to the leaf surface where the plant converts sunlight into carbohydrates through photosynthesis.  In contrast, the leaves of wider bladed species such as tall fescue, perennial rye, and bluegrass block out more sun and generally require at least 4 hours of direct sun daily to flourish. With fine leaf blades, rich green color and slow vertical growth SS6000 performs exceptionally well in shaded conditions.

Radar chewings fescue is a new variety that sets a high standard for fine fescue performance in the shade.

Cardinal II creeping red fescue produces a very dark green, fine bladed turf.  Cardinal II has excellent drought tolerance, which is always an issue where turfgrass competes with trees for moisture. 

Clarinet Hard Fescue is an elite hard fescue that was developed for low input and low maintenance situations. Clarinet is a very shade and drought tolerant with strong establishment characteristics.

Mazama Kentucky bluegrass sets SS6000 apart from other shady mixes.  Although bluegrass is not known for shade tolerance, Mazama is the best bluegrass for shady conditions.  After growing 5 years in the shade, Mazama had a higher percentage of ground cover and a higher turfgrass quallity rating that all other bluegrasses.

The advantage of bluegrass compared to fine fescue is the ability to spread and thicken-up over time.  Where there is enough sunlight for Mazama to persist, the turf will be thicker and denser.  In the shadier areas Mazama may fade away over time and the shade tolerant fine fescues will dominate.

Seed Analysis Label

Seeding Rate: 4  lbs./1,000 sq. feet

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