St. Augustine Turfgrass

A warm season grass which offers a medium green color with a coarse, thickstemmed leaf and texture and a creeping growth habit via stolons. Robust, fast-growing, establishes rapidly. Very shade tolerant and may go dormant in the winter.

Maintenance Guide

WATERING: For the first 20 days, water as needed to keep the topsoil moist to a 3-inch depth. After 20 days, water three or more times a week during warm weather. In cooler weather, water once or twice a week. Very little water is required during winter dormancy. Sandy soil requires more frequent watering than clay soil. Inland areas require more water than coastal areas. Special attention should be paid to slopes where runoff occurs and more frequent, shorter watering may be necessary. It is best to water between the hours of 4 and 10 AM for less wind evaporation.

FERTILIZATION: Fertilize in six to eight week intervals during warm weather, depending on your lawn's color. Light green is an indication that your lawn needs fertilizer. Use an all-purpose fertilizer and follow label directions.

MOWING: Mow seven to ten days after installation. Mow to a height of 1 ½ to 2 ½ inches with a rotary mower. St. Augustine should be mowed at least once a week during the warm season. Never mow more than one third of the blade at one time; it may injure the plant. During the fall, mowing height should be raised ½ inch to increase leaf area. The increased leaf area will help the grass accumulate energy reserves for the winter and help prevent weed invasion during the dormant season.

DISEASES: St. Augustine is highly resistant to common disease problems. The appearance of brown spots may be a result of a watering problem. If brown spots remain after adjusting your watering routine, a disease may be present. Consult your turfgrass specialist as soon as possible.

WEEDS AND INSECTS: After your new sod has been established at least four weeks, you may begin pesticide application for insect control if necessary. Because pest and weed conditions vary from area to area, it is best to follow the recommendations of a turfgrass specialist or local nursery in your area.

DETHATCHING: To minimize thatch, dethatch at least once every two years. It may be done as often as once a year. The preferable time to dethatch is in the spring.