Lawn Care

St. Augustine Lawn - A Beautiful Low-Growing Lawn

While there are many approaches regarding a variety of lawn types, the St. Augustine lawn is one that showcases an attractive, low-growing turf with a blue-green shade. The grass associated with this kind of lawn is considered a warm season variety that enjoys its fair share of full sun to partial shade.

Characteristics

Usually, the closer to the coast, the better St. Augustine will flourish. This is why the grass is often chosen for homes situated close to a beach or surrounded by salt air and brackish water, which holds a reputation for being notoriously unforgiving on other types of grass. A lawn of St. Augustine is also durable enough to withstand a powerful ocean spray.

Overall, St. Augustine grass is easy to grow quick to fill in the bare spots of a lawn. A full yard of the grass creates a deep spread with an impressive shade of green. When living in an area that offers a heavy shade, there are a few varieties of the grass that better accommodate this type of yard. Selecting Seville or Bitterblue is a great choice, while other options thrive in full sun.

Taking Care of St. Augustine Grass

When it comes to the maintenance and care of St. Augustine grass, there are certain locations about the United States better suited to accommodate the characteristics of such a selection. St. Augustine grass typically thrives in some parts of California, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and a few neighboring states. With a course texture and low-wear tolerance, the grass is also accepting of a soil possessing alkaline or sandy substances.

Fertilization and other common grass treatments should take place during the seasons of spring, summer, and fall. The response is quite satisfying, as a proper feeding develops a tolerance in the grass that naturally opposes weeds. To achieve the best shade of green, a fertilizer containing iron is highly recommended. When the height of grass reaches mowing time, St. Augustine should be kept around 2 to 3 inches tall. If you should need to plant additional grass, sod and plugs are the most frequently used methods.

St. Augustine grass has the ability to survive intense periods of drought, but for the best looking yard, you should deliver extra water when a dry spell lingers longer than a week. To maintain your St. Augustine lawn to reach its highest potential, there are a few seasonal practices to make a habit.

During the late winter or early spring, lime should be applied to a St. Augustine lawn if there is a need to raise the pH level of the soil to between the recommended 6.5 and 7.5. When late spring or early summer arrives, you should apply lawn fertilizer and insect control if needed. The same action may take place during the late summer. Applying a winter conditioner or winterizer is suggested in the early fall. If you live in South Florida or South Texas, you may also need to apply lawn fertilizer at this time.

Lawn Care