How to Identify Weeds in St. Augustine Grass
A popular choice for lawns in the southern United States, St. Augustine grass thrives in the heat and humidity of a southern summer, but it is also tolerant of dry spells. While it is a hardy grass that spreads rapidly, St. Augustine grass is still susceptible to weeds. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Common Weeds
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Examine any portion of your lawn that borders a lake, stream or other body of water. Torpedo grass, one of the most pervasive weeds in Florida, flourishes near or even in shallow water. Torpedo grass has a sharp, pointed tip that resembles the nose of a torpedo; tufts of what resembles strands of hair grow along its leaves. To eradicate torpedo grass, use the herbicide glyphosate.
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Watch for a ground-cover plant bearing small white or purple flowers. This is matchweed, also known as mat lippia. It is a dense, bushy plant with jagged leaves that can invade a lawn and overwhelm St. Augustine grass. When the matchweed is in its flowering stage, apply an herbicide with MSDS as the active ingredient.
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Inspect damp areas of your lawn for dollarweed, also known as pennywort. This weed has round, glossy, scalloped leaves about 1 inch in diameter. Improving drainage in the damp parts of your lawn will discourage dollarweed; otherwise, apply a broadleaf herbicide that contains MSDS.
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Tips & Warnings
You can discourage weeds by following a regular program of watering, fertilizing and mowing St. Augustine grass to the proper height.
When using an herbicide, wear a long-sleeve shirt, long pants, gloves and glasses or goggles to protect your eyes. Never apply an herbicide on a windy day--the spray may blow back in your face. If the herbicide comes in contact with your skin or eyes, wash the area with water and call your doctor.
