Turf under the live oaks.

Key takeaways

• Turf does not need sun, so it stays green under dense canopy.
• Use a shallow, permeable base and hand-dig near roots.
• Leave a natural or mulched ring around the trunk.
• Some municipalities, including the City of Charleston, regulate work around large trees.

Why grass fails under oaks

Warm-season lawn grasses need several hours of direct sun. A mature live oak blocks most of it, competes for water and drops leaves year-round. The result is thin grass, bare soil and mud.

Protecting the tree comes first

Live oak roots spread wide and shallow. Cutting them or compacting soil over them can harm a tree that took a century to grow. Under the canopy we hand-excavate rather than machine-dig, keep the base shallow and permeable, and work with an arborist where needed.

Large trees are protected by ordinance in some Lowcountry jurisdictions. We check local requirements before work begins.

Designing the shady yard

• Turf for the usable lawn and paths.
• Ferns, holly ferns and other shade-tolerant natives at the edges.
• Oyster-shell or stone paths for a classic Lowcountry look.
• A mulched or planted ring around the trunk.

Common questions

• ShadeWill leaves stain or damage turf under an oak?

  No. Leaves and catkins blow off easily; clear them regularly so they do not break down on the surface.

• ShadeIs turf bad for tree roots?