The Ultimate Guide to St Augustine Grass: Everything You Need to Know

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St. Augustine grass is a popular grass used in lawns throughout the southern United States. It's known for its lush, green appearance and excellent shade tolerance. If you're looking to grow and maintain a beautiful lawn with St. Augustine grass, this guide will have everything you need to know.

What is St Augustine Grass?

St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum Secundatum) is a warm-season grass that originated in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. It has a high density and is known for its wide, flat blades with a blue-green hue.

Why Choose St Augustine Grass?

There are a few reasons why you might choose St. Augustine grass for your lawn:

• Shade tolerance: St. Augustine grass is one of the most shade-tolerant turfgrasses available.
• Drought-resistant: it doesn't require as much water as some other types of turfgrass.
• Salt-tolerant: it can handle salty conditions near the ocean.
• Disease-resistant: it is naturally resistant to many diseases and pests.

St. Augustine Grass Care

Taking care of St. Augustine grass isn't overly difficult, but there are a few things you'll need to keep in mind.

Watering Tips for St Augustine Grass

St. Augustine grass requires a moderate amount of water, about 1 inch per week, especially during hot weather. Over-watering should be avoided, which may lead to fungal growth and diseases.

Tips for Mowing St Augustine Grass

Mowing St. Augustine grass typically requires a fairly low height, between 2 and 4 inches. Frequent mowing can help keep the turf dense and prevent thatch buildup, which may lead to insect damage.

Best Fertilizers for St Augustine Grass

St. Augustine grass needs nitrogen along with other key nutrients such as phosphorus and potassium. A balanced slow-release fertilizer is recommended, which helps avoid applications of excessive amount of nitrogen and to avoid excess growth.

Growing St Augustine Grass in Shade

St. Augustine grass performs well in partial shade, but it's more susceptible to disease and pest problems in areas of complete shade. Consider pruning trees or removing them if they limit sunlight to your lawn.

Pros and Cons of St Augustine Grass

Here are some pros and cons you should consider before planting St. Augustine grass on your lawn.

Pros

• Easy to maintain
• Fast-growing
• Good shade tolerance
• Drought-tolerant

Cons

• Needs moderate water
• Poor cold weather tolerance
• Vulnerable to chinch bugs
• May require additional nutrients to maintain optimal health

Types of St Augustine Grass

St. Augustine grass has a few different varieties, each with its own unique characteristics.

Common Types of St Augustine Grass

The most common types of St. Augustine grass include Floratam, Palmetto and Raleigh. Although all these types are similar, they differ in texture and color.

Which Type of St Augustine Grass is Best for Your Lawn?

The best type of St. Augustine grass for your lawn depends largely on your specific needs and budget. Consider the cost, climate suitability, shade tolerance, nutrient requirements, and maintenance before making a final decision.

How to Install St Augustine Grass

Growing St. Augustine grass is relatively straightforward if you have nutrient-rich soil and the right tools.

Preparing the Soil for St Augustine Grass

Before planting St. Augustine grass, you should test the soil's pH to get an accurate reading of the nutrients required by it. Also remove any weeds, rocks or debris that may hinder proper growth.

Planting St Augustine Grass

St. Augustine sod can be directly transferred to the soil. Carefully lay out the grass pieces one by one and adjust them between each other precisely.

Caring for Newly-Installed St Augustine Grass

After installing St. Augustine grass, it's essential to ensure that the soil is moist and that you follow proper watering, fertilizer application and mowing requirements as per your variety.

Common Problems with St Augustine Grass

St. Augustine grass is susceptible to a variety of problems, but most issues can be resolved with proper care.

Chinch Bugs

Chinch bugs feed on the grass and can cause dead spots in your lawn. Maintain good growth by avoiding fertilization when chinch bugs are active.

Sod Webworms

These pests start with small holes In the lawn and rapidly spread, causing big scallops or sparse areas where the grass has been consumed. Early detection allows for better control.

Take All Root Rot

Take-all root rot disease causes grass blades to turn gray and roots to die back until airborne spores destroy treated turfs. Treating early allows greater survival chances.

Brown Patch

Brownpatch is a fungal infection that leads to brown patches in the grass. Ensure proper ventilation, irrigation methods and effective nitrogen applications to avoid brown patch.

St Augustine Grass vs Bermuda Grass

While Bermuda grass is also a popular choice for lawns, it isn't always the best option for all environments. Here are some differences between the two types of grass.

Differences between St Augustine Grass and Bermuda Grass

Bermuda grass is more drought resistant compared to St. Augustine grass, but on the flip side, requires more love and care. While St. Augustine grass is easier to maintain as it doesn’t require frequent watering and will remain lush without many fertilizers.

Which grass is better for your lawn?

The type of grass which would be better suited for your lawn ultimately depends on your location’s climate, moisture levels, shade conditions and specific needs. Regardless of your preference, following proper maintenance guidelines is vital for maintaining a healthy lawn.

In St. Augustine grass is an excellent choice for most lawns. With proper care and maintenance, it can provide a beautiful, lush green lawn that will be the envy of your neighbors. The different varieties provide desirable features such as texture or color, therefore choose accordingly. Finally, ensure you follow all guidelines mentioned in this guide to maintain and grow a healthy St Augustine grass lawn.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about growing and maintaining St. Augustine grass.

How often should I water my St. Augustine grass?

Water St. Augustine grass once a week, typically 1 inch after every two weeks in Summer and Monsoon, once every three weeks in Fall/Winter if it gets direct sunlight. Adjust accordingly if your locale has heavy or light rain.

What is the best fertilizer for St. Augustine grass?

The best fertilizer for St. Augustine grass is one that's slow-release and balanced in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Choose brands with 2% more iron as it enhances its green color.

What can I do to prevent chinch bugs in my St. Augustine grass?

To prevent chinch bugs in your St. Augustine grass, avoid over-fertilization during their activity period. Include products containing carbaryl and bifenthrin to kill existing infestations.

What is a good height for St. Augustine grass?

Mow St. Augustine grass regularly between 2 and 4 inches tall. This can differ depending on locale’s climate, turfgrass variety and general weather conditions.

What are some tips for mowing St. Augustine grass?

When mowing St. Augustine grass, use a sharp blade and never remove more than one-third of the leaf blades at once. Don't leave clippings for too long, or they’ll wilt and disintegrate into the soil, without nutrients released.

How do I repair bare patches in my St. Augustine grass?

To repair bare patches in your St. Augustine grass, make sure it's moist, rake gently until you have a proper surface and then spot-spreading seed using compost or sand to ensure proper growth.

Can I grow St. Augustine grass in shady areas?

St. Augustine grass performs well in partial shade but needs around four hours of direct sunlight daily. Ensure maintenance of trees near your lawn for less leaf fall, pruning and improving proper ventilation to the grass.

How long does it take for St. Augustine grass to fully grow?

St. Augustine grass typically takes about two growing seasons to reach its full potential when growing from seeds. Sodding provides instant growth while seeding requires regular care and attention.

When is the best time to install St. Augustine grass?

The best time to install St. Augustine grass is during spring when the turf grows actively with minimal chances of frost or freezing temperatures. Installation during summer can also work, but it requires frequent watering.

What makes St. Augustine grass turn yellow?

St. Augustine grass turns yellow due to various factors such as lack of nutrients (e.g. iron), shaded growth, natural shedding leading to extra spindly and reaching growth, over-fertilizing leading to burn, and diseases which can destroy chlorophyll.