Most turf grasses need at least 4 hours of direct sun to survive, but there is still hope if you have a shaded yard. Specialized shade-tolerant grass blends can thrive with less than 4 hours of sun or with partial shade. Before you choose a sod, pay attention to how much sun your yard actually receives. Also, consider pruning trees to give your grass more sun. You can even incorporate flowerbeds with shade-loving plants in your landscape.