Q: We have tried several times to have grass in our front yard (40 feet x 20 feet) with no success. The area is under a huge red oak tree. What light does make it through is dappled at best.

I saw an advertisement about a product called Patch Perfect. They claim this grass will grow anywhere, including dense shade, and even atop concrete. What do you think?

A: I think that unless you get 4 – 6 hours of direct sunshine, no grass will grow there, no matter what the ads promise

PatchPerfect contains perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass and creeping red fescue. Only tall fescue can withstand the heat and humidity of Atlanta – the other grasses die in July.

In addition, I note that PatchPerfect offers enough seed to cover 100 square feet for $20. Your 40 x 20 yard would cost $160 for seed – which would be much more expensive that sodding it. But sod won’t work because you have too much shade.

My advice? Give up the idea of grass. Choose shade-loving groundcovers and mulch to cover your landscape and be proud of your giant tree.