Best methods for maintaining St. Augustine Grass?

November 8th, 2009 | by admin |

I am use to Fescue, so St. Augustine is new to me? How often should I water? Fertilize? How do I green it up?

I put down Scott fertilizer in mid-spring and mid summer.None in the fall. I give it about 1 to 2" of water once a week. Scotts recommends a lot more fertilizer but I don’t really want to be mowing twice a week.

In the fall when the night time temperatures reach into the lower 60’s I apply Fungaway to eliminate brown patch and take all attacks.

I mow once a week (sometimes every 5 days if we get a lot of rain) and leave it on the tall side.

  1. 7 Responses to “Best methods for maintaining St. Augustine Grass?”

  2. By Amanda Leigh on Nov 8, 2009 | Reply

    cant help you. but call Elite Lawn Care Saint Augustine, FL 32086 (904) 669-5057.

    its my friends business. hes awesome.
    References :

  3. By InTheDark on Nov 8, 2009 | Reply

    If you live in Florida where there is predominately St. Augustine I suggest hiring a company like True Green or Scott’s.

    I tried to maintain my lawn there and had nothing but weed infestations and pest issues. I ended up replacing the lawn and now use a monthly service to keep it green and healthy
    References :

  4. By madi on Nov 8, 2009 | Reply

    we moved from iowa to florida two years ago and i know how you feel about not knowing how to take care of it. my dad finially figured out what works best; he waters once a two or so depending on how much rain we get; he fertilizes every 2-3 weeks; and you have to be careful how often you cut it because it can damage the roots. hope this helps somewhat. :)
    References :

  5. By oil field trash on Nov 8, 2009 | Reply

    I put down Scott fertilizer in mid-spring and mid summer.None in the fall. I give it about 1 to 2" of water once a week. Scotts recommends a lot more fertilizer but I don’t really want to be mowing twice a week.

    In the fall when the night time temperatures reach into the lower 60’s I apply Fungaway to eliminate brown patch and take all attacks.

    I mow once a week (sometimes every 5 days if we get a lot of rain) and leave it on the tall side.
    References :

  6. By bugear001 on Nov 8, 2009 | Reply

    Oil Field Trash is right on the money. Give him 10 points. I have St. Augustine and do the same. I’m in the Dallas, Texas area. Our summers can be very hot. My St. Augustine looks great all the time. With the right amounts of water and fertilizer, you’ll do great!!!!
    References :

  7. By Joanne A. W on Nov 8, 2009 | Reply

    Everyone in our area grows St. Augustine. It makes a pretty lawn and will grow under some shade trees such as the fruitless mulberry that are so popular in this zone.

    Water, water, water. We cannot have a nice lawn without watering at least once per week. We water each section of our lawn about 30 to 40 minutes per section. Invest in an automatic sprinkler system. It is worth every penny! Or put one in yourself, there are kits. An electrician will need to do the circuit board for you (it’s the law).

    We fertilize in early spring and late fall. We like Scott’s. Read the front and back of the bags before buying. You will need a Scott’s spreader.

    Mow once per week on the same day of the week. We keep our lawn at 2-1/2" or 3" tall. There is a setting on your lawnmower. If you do not have a lawnmower as of yet, buy one that has a "mulcher" setting on it. You will not have to pick up grass with a mulcher and the mulched grass feeds your lawn.

    Edgers make your lawn have a neat appearance. Such as edging your sidewalk or driveway. Here are a few pictures:

    http://www.sears.com/shc/s/s_10153_12605...

    1. Join Scotts lawn care emails. They will send you an email during parts of the year letting you know what needs to be done at that time of year. Be sure to list their email address so it will not go into your "junk" email box. :o)

    Click this link:
    http://www.scotts.com/index.cfm/event/Ac...
    References :

  8. By slumberdebbie on Nov 8, 2009 | Reply

    I just wanted to recommend a soil amendment that will help hold water and nutrients (fertilizer, etc.) in the soil. (It sounds like you will be watering quite a bit to keep the St. Augustine grass growing well!)

    It is called "Pozzolan" or :Lassenite ATS". It is a volcanic diatomaceous soil amendment that will absorb and hold water until it is needed by the plant (grass in your case). It will release 100% of the stored water back to the plant/grass as needed. You need to til it into the ground at a depth of about 6-8 inches. Or if your lawn is already established, you can aerate and then drop spread into the holes. It will promote root growth and it is great for sandy soil. They have been using this in the middle east to grow grass for golf courses in the desert. It will cut your watering in half.

    It is all natural, it will not degrade or migrate out of the soil so it is a ONE time application, you never need to add more.
    Also great for compacted soils that get heavy foot traffic.

    Ask for it at your local nursery or greenhouse.
    References :
    http://www.pozzman.com/

    http://www.westernpozzolan.com/

    http://www.technogreencorp.com/aquafeed_water_retention_material.htm (middle east company that markets Pozzolan as "Aqua-Feed")

Post a Comment