I have spent a great deal of money on Shade-Tolerant St. Augustine that did nothing. I have spent even more to amend to soil where countless efforts to put regular St. Augustine sod down was fruitless. We finally planted dwarf Monkey Grass. I swear! No one, even the HOA would know the difference especially if it is cut, though it doesn't need it. It does grow VERY slow so I would plant it very close together to get a "lawn" quicker. It is winter tolerant in our Zone 9a freezes, drought tolerant but does like some moisture. And stays green all year. And it is tough! Except for a mole uprooting it I haven't had any trouble in my shady area. I've noticed my neighbor across the street has some dwarf Monkey Grass invading his St Augustine. He's allow it to.
