Question
Help help--what is the best kind of sod to use in the shade?  I only have about 500ft to sod.  What would be the way to put this down?  Step by step would be great.  THANKS BRIAN (MEMPHIS AREA)

Answer
Fine Fescue is generally held to be the best choice of Grass for Shade.  Sod or Seed, it doesn't matter.

See this Cornell University Cheat Sheet on Fine Fescue:

http://www.ccenassau.org/hort/fact_sheets/c109_fine_fescues_dec01.pdf

Also note in particular one line about Fescue and moisture and I quote: 'Fescues are not successful in wet locations and poorly drained Soils.'

BUT...

If you have ANY drainage issues in this plot you are sodding, Fescue is NOT the Grass for you.  In fact, any excess moisture is going to be a problem if you grow Fescue.  'Most types will not tolerate excessive watering (causes leafspot and Red Thread), fertilization or close mowing (they favor a mowing height of 3 inches).  They hate high fertility; it will kill them.'

Your Bluegrass front Lawn has an entirely different menu of needs. Bluegrass needs LOTS of TLC.  It needs water, fertilizer, mowing, and the pleasure of your company.

You have to spend time with Extroverted Bluegrass.  Introverted Fine Fescue likes to be left alone.

There is a recent Bluegrass variety that grows even BETTER than Fine Fescue in the Shade.  It's called Supernova.  You can't even buy it anywhere unless you get lucky.  If you can find it, if they will sell it to you, it's the most expensive Grass you ever did see.

But it's state of the art.

Now, you want to know how to lay down Sod.  I would be happy to detail the steps, one by one.  But Brian, I hate to re-invent the wheel.  Sodland.com posts a clear, concise, first rate cheat sheet that deals with this very exercise, 'How to Sod':

http://www.sodding.com/sodding/

Follow their directions and you'll be pleased as punch with your Sod.  Let me know if you need clarification on anything.  Good to hear from you, thanks for writing.

L.I.G.