Q: I have been trying to grow grass on a slight hill under a dogwood tree for years. I plant the shade mix of fescue each year and initially it comes in and then dies. This has been the routine for the last 7 years. Is there anything I can either do differently?

A: Nature is trying to tell you something but you’re not listening. Fescue is the most shade-tolerant grass….so if it won’t grow under your tree, the shade is too dense for grass.

You could just spread mulch there or plant mondo grass or monkey grass instead.

Despite the claims on seed bags, fescue needs at least 5 hours of sunshine to thrive and fight weeds.