How to Maintain St. Augustine Grass
St. Augustine grass is a popular grass used for lawns in the southern United States. It does best in warmer climates and does not thrive in cold weather. Salt tolerant, it is widely used in coastal areas. As with any other type of lawn, maintenance is required to properly grow this grass. Fertilization, watering and mowing are key to keeping St. Augustine grass healthy and full of color. See your local gardening expert for any specific problems associated with your St. Augustine grass, as solutions vary with different grass varieties. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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How to Maintain St. Augustine Grass
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Fertilize St. Augustine grass with a nitrogen-based fertilizer. Do this every 30 to 60 days from early spring to late fall, according to AgriLife Extension Texas A & M System.
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Water St. Augustine grass with one inch of water as needed. Hydrate grass when it begins to show signs of wilt or drought stress. Indicators include both the presence of bluish green grass blades and indentations of your footprints after you have walked on the grass, according to Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
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Use a lawn mower to keep grass mowed to a height of three to four inches. This will improve the grass appearance and allow the grass to develop a deep root system.
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Spray insecticide on St. Augustine grass at the onset of yellow to brown color patches in the turf. The patches indicate a chinch bug infestation, according to University of Florida IFAS Extension. More than one application may be necessary to rid the lawn of the bugs.
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Tips & Warnings
Have soil tested by a landscape expert every one to two years to determine the best fertilizer mixture for your St. Augustine grass.
To properly dissolve fertilizer, water the grass immediately after application.
Do not water St. Augustine grass during evening or overnight, as this can increase disease production. It is best to water during the early morning hours when the dew is still on the lawn, according to Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
