LSU AgCenter ranks it the most shade-tolerant warm-season turfgrass, and it spreads quickly to knit a new lawn together. It asks for attention in summer, when chinch bugs come looking for it.

St. Augustine GrassHarahan
St. Augustine Sod for Shaded Harahan Lawns
St. Augustine sod is the first grass to consider for a shaded Harahan yard, and TurnKey Grass installs it all over town.
St. Augustine for your Harahan yard
Parish
Jefferson ParishBest for
Shaded front yards, oak-lined lotsPallet coverage
About 450 sq ft eachEstimates
FREE on all services01 · Harahan
How much shade can St. Augustine take under Harahan’s trees?
NRCS lists bottomland hardwoods as the native cover on Harahan’s levee and backswamp ground, so if big trees shade part of your lawn, you’re in good company. LSU puts St. Augustine first for shade among warm-season grasses, ahead of zoysia and centipede. It still has limits: most turfgrass wants 4 to 6 hours of full sun, and LSU says even St. Augustine won’t grow well in dense shade.

- 01
Raise the mower in shade
Raise the mower in shade: Cut shaded areas at 3 to 3.5 inches so each blade has more leaf to catch light.
- 02
Feed shade lightly
Feed shade lightly: LSU caps shaded turf at half a pound of nitrogen for every 1,000 square feet in a single feeding.
- 03
Let light in
Let light in: An older LSU guide suggests thinning trees or removing lower limbs up to 6 to 8 feet.
- 04
Know where to stop
Know where to stop: Ground that sits in deep shade most of the day will thin out even under St. Augustine, and we’ll mark those spots on the visit.
02 · Harahan
How does St. Augustine fit Harahan’s two soils?
LSU’s ideal for St. Augustine is about pH 6.5, slightly acid to neutral, with moderate fertility and good drainage. Harahan’s soils miss that target in opposite directions.
The soil survey ranges are wide on both, so a soil test through the LSU AgCenter is the only way to know your number. Prep for each soil is covered on our Harahan sod installation page.

| Soil | Where you’ll find it | Typical surface pH | What to watch with St. Augustine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schriever clay | Royland, Colonial Estates, Anna Terrace, Harahan Oaks | About 7.3 | Take-all root rot favors pH above 6.5 and long rainy spells; winter saturation invites winter decline |
| Cancienne silt loam and silty clay loam | West Imperial, Roseland Park, the river side | About 5.7 | A bit below the ideal; LSU notes many Louisiana yards need lime, so test first |
03 · Harahan
Which pests and diseases go after St. Augustine here?
- 01
Southern chinch bugs
LSU calls this mainly a St. Augustine pest. It runs 3 to 4 generations a year in Louisiana and does most of its damage in mid to late summer, in hot, dry, sunny spots with thick thatch. With July highs averaging about 91 F at the nearby airport station, check the sunniest strip of lawn first. LSU’s soap flush test uses 1 tablespoon of lemon-scented dish soap in a gallon of water, and treatment makes sense at 25 to 30 bugs in a square foot.
- 02
Large patch
This fungus shows up in spring and fall, when nights run 60 to 75 F. On St. Augustine you’ll see a yellowish edge around a spreading patch. Water early in the morning and keep nitrogen at LSU’s rate and timing.
- 03
Winter decline
LSU says St. Augustine and centipede are the grasses most often hit by winter decline in wet, poorly drained soil. That describes Schriever clay from December to April. LSU’s fixes are core aeration with sand topdressing, better grading or surface drains, and deep, infrequent watering in summer.
04 · Harahan
What does a year of St. Augustine care look like in Harahan?
Torn between grasses? Compare Bermuda and St. Augustine for south Louisiana yards, or look at zoysia in Harahan for a yard with part sun and more foot traffic.
- 01
April
April: First feeding, about 1 pound of nitrogen for each 1,000 square feet, once the lawn is growing.
- 02
June
June: Second feeding. LSU’s yearly ceiling is 3 pounds, never more than 1 pound at a time, with an optional August round.
- 03
Summer
Summer: Mow sunny areas at 2.5 to 3 inches and never take off more than a third of the blade. Our summer St. Augustine care tips go deeper.
- 04
November to February
November to February: Growth stops. St. Augustine has the lowest cold tolerance of the grasses we lay, and Harahan’s zone 9b rating puts the average yearly extreme low at 25 to 30 F.
Shaded yard in Harahan? Start with St. Augustine
From the clay lots around Royland to any shaded yard in Harahan Oaks, St. Augustine is usually where we start the conversation when shade is the problem. See our full St. Augustine sod service, read more about lawns across Harahan, then book a free estimate so we can count your hours of sun.
This company is the best! I couldn’t be happier with the Bermuda Grass I got from them. My lawn looks like a lush green carpet now, and it’s so soft underfoot. Thanks to their professional team, my neighbors are green with envy!
Michael Henry
Bermuda GrassI was on the hunt for a durable and attractive grass variety to revamp my backyard, and their team delivered with their zoysia grass. My outdoor space is now a haven for outdoor activities, and I’m so happy with the results. I highly recommend this company to anyone looking to transform their backyard into a beautiful, functional space.
Lily Cohan
Zoysia GrassTurnKey Grass delivered exceptional quality centipede grass for my yard. The low maintenance and vibrant green color are just what I needed to elevate my outdoor space. It’s been a game-changer. I highly recommend using their services.
Dave McKnight
Centipede GrassWhat sets TurnKey apart is not just their exceptional product but also their customer service. They guided me through the entire process, from choosing the right bermuda grass variety to installation and maintenance tips. It’s clear that they are passionate about helping their customers achieve the lawn of their dreams. If you’re seeking top-tier bermuda grass and a hassle-free experience, TurnKey Grass is the only choice.
Dorothy Brookline
Bermuda GrassI recently had St. Augustine Grass installed by their team yesterday, and I’m amazed at the transformation. My lawn is now thick, healthy, and beautiful. TurnKey Grass’ service exceeded my expectations.
Steve Powell
St. Augustine GrassI was struggling with a patchy lawn for years until I discovered their services. Not only did their Bermuda Grass transform my yard’s appearance, but it also made lawn care a breeze. I’ve received numerous compliments from neighbors and friends. Thank you! This company is the way to go.
Geraldine Farmington
Bermuda GrassI can’t thank TurnKey Grass enough for their St. Augustine Grass. My front yard has never looked better. Their service was impeccable from start to finish. They provided expert advice on maintenance and care, making it a seamless experience. I will probably hire them again If I needed to.
John Matthews
St. Augustine GrassChoosing this company for centipede grass was undoubtedly a smart decision. They answered all my questions, provided care tips, and ensured a seamless experience from start to finish. It looks stunning all year round. Thank you, TurnKey Grass!
Kate Stamford
Centipede GrassNot sure your street is covered?
Call (504) 608-1540 and ask.
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