Summer St. Augustine Care

St. Augustine grass has become more popular as a lawn grass in our area over the past several years. As with any species of grass, it has its advantages and disadvantages. It is very salt tolerant, and relatively shade tolerant. The color is dark green when compared to other grasses, and it is vigorous, allowing it to quickly recover if a portion of the lawn becomes damaged due to pests.

Along with all of the good characteristics, there are some shortcomings. It is a heavier feeder than centipede grass, requiring more frequent fertilization and irrigation. Pest problems sometimes occur. There are several fungus diseases, and insects such as chinch bugs and sod webworms, that sometimes require control. 

Many problems can be avoided by providing proper maintenance. Mowing height is a major consideration. There has been a tendency to mow St. Augustine too low, and this can cause a slow decline. Such varieties as Raleigh, Floratam, Bitterblue, and Floratine should be mowed at a height of 3 to 4 inches. Some of the newer, more dwarf varieties such as Seville, Delmar and Jade can be mowed at 2 to 2½ inches.  

Always mow higher in shady areas. This can compensate where there is limited light.  Remember, St. Augustine tolerates some shade, it doesn’t prefer it. All lawn grasses perform better in full sunlight. Fertilization is usually necessary to maintain the desired color and density. However, too much fertilizer can actually bring on problems. Studies with St. Augustine have shown, for example, that excessive growth brought on by the excessive application of nitrogen fertilizer increases the amount of chinch bug injury.  

Two to four light applications of fertilizer during the growing season are recommended. Two fertilizations during the growing season are suggested for low maintenance lawns, and up to four fertilizations can be made where high quality is desired. The amount of fertilizer that a St. Augustine lawn is given should be tempered with the knowledge that heavy fertilization yields more growth that requires more frequent mowing, watering and pest control. 

Water on an as-needed basis, rather than on a schedule. Established lawns should not be watered daily. Too frequent irrigation causes a shallow root system and increased disease problems. Wait, between irrigations, until parts of the lawn begin to show signs of wilting. The wilting of grass shows up as bluish-gray patches, usually by mid-afternoon. 

Early morning is the best time for watering lawns. Late evening or nighttime watering should be avoided because leaves and stems that go through the night covered with a film of water are predisposed to disease infection. Apply one-half surface inch of water at each irrigation. Use the can or pan test if you are unsure of the amount currently being applied, and make adjustments. 

Check the lawn for pests weekly, from now until the first frost. Insects such as chinch bugs and sod webworms can cause damage quickly if control measures are not implemented early.  Diseases such as brown patch and gray leaf spot can also damage St. Augustine severely, especially during rainy weather. Contact your local nursery, garden center or Extension agent for help in diagnosing and treating disorders, if needed. 

*This article was written in 1998; it is possible that some recommendations or practices may have changed since then. For More Information: ENH5/LH010: St. Augustinegrass for Florida Lawns