Who doesn’t love St. Augustine grass? It’s a favorite grass in warm climates and it’s pretty resilient where soil is sandy or alkaline and does well in shade or by the beach. It’s a fan-favorite for millions who live in the southern United States and sub-tropical locations.
What’s special about St. Augustine Grass?
First, it’s got a rich bluish-green color that lasts longer into the fall than other warm-season grasses do. Also, due to the nature of the grass it can handle periodic droughts, for up to a week with no ill-effects at all, even though it does respond best to regular watering and it definately responds well to frequent feedings. When it is fertilized properly, it will knit itself together into tight groupings of turf. This is one of the best weed-preventing grasses around.
Grows well in shade - minimal care when well-established
Perhaps St. Augustine is known (and loved) best for being a warm-season grass that can easily handle partial shade and there are some varieties that will even grow in heavy shade (Seville and Bitterblue). Moreover, it responds well to mulching / grass-cycling and will form a dense matte which requires less watering and mowing over time.
How does St. Augustine grass grow?
If you’ve been around St. Augustine at all you will notice that it grows above-ground with a series of stems that “knits” itself together. These are called stolons, and they are stems runners that seek out new soil to dig into. This process can take some time, but eventually it can take over and kill other grasses growing in the same spot. Be careful not to let the grass take over your flower beds, it can and will if left untrimmed.
Maintaining and Restoring St. Augustine
Late Winter / Early Spring: Start in the late winter or early spring with a special St. Augustine Weed and Feed. Check your local nursery for stock and specific directions, or ask your lawn care professional. Prep first mowing to grass-cycle/mulch, which St. Augustine responds to very well.
Late Spring / Early Summer: A first dose of Lawn Fertilizer designed specifically for St. Augustine. Check for insects and apply control if needed. Check soil levels to make certain it’s not too wet or dry. Start edging early to keep grass runners from getting out of control and moving into flower beds and walkways.
Mid to Late Summer: A second dose of Lawn Fertilizer designed specifically for St. Augustine should be applied. Again, look for insects and apply control if needed. Make certain grass is growing properly and not in danger of a full drought lasting more than 1 week.
Early Fall: Back to the Weed and Feed and begin to prep the grass for the winter. Consider applying a St. Augustine Winter Conditioner. Trim grass back
Dallas St. Augustine Grass
St. Augustine grass is a favorite and does very well in Dallas and all over North Texas.