St. Augustine Grass

What is St. Augustine Grass?

St. Augustine grass is a warm-season turf that is often found in tropical and subtropical regions. In the United States, St. Augustine is common in Hawaii, California, Texas, and Florida, where its name originates (after St. Augustine, Florida). The grass does well in the sun, requiring at least 6 or more hours of direct sunlight each day, and is also salt-tolerant, perfect for property near oceans.

Grass blades are dark green to green-blue and are flat and broad. St. Augustine turf is thick and carpet-like, a positive as it often crowds out potential weeds. The grass spreads quickly thanks to above-ground stolons, also known as runners, which help the turf remain thick and lush. St. Augustine grass will stay green year-round in warmer climates but will go dormant and brown in cooler climates. Once the temperatures warm up in the spring, the grass will green-up again.

Tips for caring for your St Augustine!

St. Augustine requires routine maintenance, especially as it grows so quickly in warm weather. Read below for tips on how to keep your grass healthy and vibrant.

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MOWING

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St. Augustine requires frequent mowing. Be sure to follow these mowing tips:

• Keep grass blades 3-4 inches long. Mowing any shorter will cause the grass to thin, which allows weeds to grow.

• Mow every 5 days to 2 weeks, depending on the time of year and the weather. You will need to mow frequently in the summer and less frequently in the spring and fall.

• In cooler climates where St. Augustine may go dormant, wait until the grass greens up in the spring to mow (do not mow when grass is brown). In warmer climates, the grass will need to be mowed year round.

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WATERING

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St. Augustine typically needs 1 inch of water per week. This can be in the form of rainfall or a sprinkler. If using a sprinkler, be sure to use in the morning so the grass will not burn in the full sun of the day or stay damp at night. Do not overwater St. Augustine grass to avoid pooling water. Lawns that remain damp for long periods of time are prone to fungus.

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