Learn How to Make St Augustine Grass Grow Fast with our 5 powerful tips. Transform your lawn into a lush, green paradise quickly and effectively.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Hello, green thumbs and lawn lovers! You’re about to embark on a journey to transform your lawn into a lush, green paradise. How? With the ever-popular St Augustine grass. St Augustine grass is the belle of the ball in the grass world, and we’re here to share some nifty insider tips to help it grow faster and fuller than ever.
Brief Overview of St Augustine Grass and Its Popularity
You see, St Augustine grass is like the grass version of the popular kid in school—it’s everywhere you look. This warm-season turfgrass is a favorite in the southern regions of the U.S., from Florida to California. It’s got a reputation for being robust, hardy, and having a fantastic emerald-green hue that’s quite the eye-catcher!
Importance of Fast and Lush Growth
But what’s the point of having this superstar grass if it doesn’t grow fast and thick? A lush lawn is like a good head of hair – it adds character, charm, and value to your property (and who doesn’t want that?). Plus, it’s great for barefoot strolls, picnics, or just basking in the beauty of nature.
What is St Augustine Grass?
Description of St Augustine Grass
St Augustine grass is the Beyonce of grasses – it’s beautiful, resilient, and has a fabulous fan following. It’s known for its broad, flat blades and its knack for thriving in hot, coastal areas with sandy soil. It’s a bit of a diva, though, as it needs a lot of sun and doesn’t tolerate shade too well.
Regions Where It Grows Best
Our green diva prefers the limelight, aka sunny areas. It’s a heat-loving grass that thrives in USDA zones 8–10. You’ll find it strutting its stuff in the southern United States, especially along the Gulf Coast and in Florida.
Why Choose St Augustine Grass?
Benefits of St Augustine Grass
Why choose St Augustine grass? Well, why choose a luxury sedan over a compact car? It’s all about the benefits, baby! St Augustine grass has a high tolerance for salt, making it perfect for coastal properties. It’s also a fast grower and can crowd out most weeds (so long, unwanted garden guests!).
Comparison With Other Types of Grass
Compared to other grasses, St. Augustine is like the superhero of the turf world. It’s more disease-resistant than Bermuda grass and more shade-tolerant than Zoysia grass. However, it does require more maintenance and watering compared to alternatives like Bahia or Centipede grass.
How to Make St Augustine Grass Grow Fast: The Basics
Now that you’re sold on why St Augustine grass is the Rolls-Royce of lawns, let’s dive into how to make it grow faster and lusher than your neighbors’ (not that we’re promoting competition, but a little friendly rivalry never hurts, right?).
Tip #1: Proper Watering
Just like you’d quench your thirst after a hot day, your St Augustine grass needs a good drink too! Generally, it requires 1–1.5 inches of water per week. Early morning is the best time to water, as this reduces evaporation and allows the grass to dry before nightfall, reducing the risk of diseases.
Tip #2: Fertilizing Correctly
Fertilizing your St Augustine grass is like giving it a multivitamin; it promotes healthy and speedy growth. Use a complete nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (N-P-K) fertilizer with a ratio of 3:1:2 or 4:1:2. Fertilize every two months during the growing season for the best results.
Tip #3: Mowing at the Right Height
Mowing your St Augustine grass at the right height is crucial. Set your mower to a height of 2.5 to 4 inches. Regular mowing encourages lateral growth, leading to a thicker lawn.
Tip #4: Pest, Weed, and Disease Control
St Augustine grass can sometimes attract pests like chinch bugs or get infected with diseases like brown patch disease. Regular inspection, proper watering, and correct fertilization can help prevent these issues. For weed control, use pre-emergent herbicides in early spring to stop weeds before they start.
Tip #5: Proper Soil Aeration
Aeration is like giving your lawn a breath of fresh air. It helps water, oxygen, and nutrients reach the grass roots more easily, promoting healthier and faster growth. Aerating your lawn once a year is usually sufficient.
How to Fix Patches in St Augustine Grass
Today, we’re going to tackle a plight that has turned many a lawn owner’s dreams of a lush, verdant carpet into the stuff of nightmares – patches in St Augustine grass. Fear not, dear reader, for we have the remedies to transform your patchy lawn into a lush, green paradise.
Seeding St. Augustine
Contrary to popular belief, St Augustine grass doesn’t do the seed dance like other grass types. It’s more of a sprigs-and-plugs kind of partygoer. If you’ve got some bare spots, seeding might not be your best bet. But don’t fret! We’ve got a couple of other tricks up our sleeves.
St. Augustine Sod
Much like a band-aid for your boo-boos, sod is a quick fix for those unsightly patches. Here’s how you do it:
- Measure the patchy area and purchase an equivalent amount of St. Augustine sod.
- Prepare the area by removing any dead grass and loosening the soil.
- Lay down the sod, ensuring that it makes good contact with the soil.
- Water it generously and keep it moist until the sod is well-established.
St Augustine Grass Plugs
If your lawn looks like it’s playing a game of ‘connect the dots’ with bald patches, it’s time to bring out the big guns – St Augustine grass plugs. These little bundles of joy are small chunks of sod with mature roots, ready to spring into action.
How to Plug St Augustine Grass
Plugging St Augustine grass isn’t rocket science, but it does require a bit of elbow grease. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Measure the area of your lawn that needs patching.
- Purchase enough St Augustine grass plugs to fill the area, keeping in mind that they should be planted about 1 foot apart.
- Prepare the area by removing any dead grass and loosening the soil.
- Dig holes for each plug, ensuring they’re deep enough to cover the roots.
- Place the plugs in the holes, cover them with soil, and water generously.
- Keep the area moist until the plugs have established.
How to Dethatch St Augustine Grass
Hey there, grass enthusiasts! Today, we’re going to delve into the world of dethatching. If you’ve ever looked at your St Augustine grass and thought it resembled a shaggy dog in desperate need of a haircut, then this is the blog post for you.
Dethatching, much like giving a mop-top a trim, is all about removing the excess that’s cramping your lawn’s style. So, grab your rake, put on some groovy tunes, and let’s get to work!
Understanding Thatch
Before we dive into the how-tos, let’s chat about what thatch is. Thatch is a layer of dead grass, roots, and other organic matter that accumulates between the soil surface and the green grass above. A little bit of thatch can be beneficial, acting as a mulch to conserve moisture. But too much thatch? That’s like wearing a heavy winter coat to the beach – uncomfortable, unnecessary, and a total style killer.
When to Dethatch
The perfect time to pick up your rake and get down to business is when the thatch layer exceeds half an inch. How to measure? Simply dig out a small chunk of your lawn (don’t worry, it’ll grow back!) and measure the brown, spongy layer that sits between the green grass and the soil. If it’s more than half an inch, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get dethatching.
How to Dethatch St Augustine Grass
Now onto the main event – how to dethatch your St Augustine grass. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Rake your lawn to remove any loose debris. Consider this the warm-up act before the big show.
- Use a dethatching rake or a power dethatcher to comb through your lawn, pulling up the excess thatch. This is the main event, so give it all you’ve got!
- Rake up and remove the loosened thatch. Think of this as the cool-down after an intense workout.
- Water your lawn generously and consider applying a lawn fertilizer to give your grass a boost post-dethatching. It’s like a refreshing smoothie after a gym session.
The Aftercare
Post-dethatching care is crucial for your lawn to bounce back to its lush, green glory. Keep your lawn well-watered, especially in the first few weeks. Consider this the TLC your lawn needs after its intense dethatching workout.
Why is My St Augustine Grass Dying
The Usual Suspects: Watering Woes
St Augustine grass adores water – it’s like a mermaid in a sea of green. But, much like Goldilocks, it prefers its hydration levels ‘just right’. Too little water and it feels parched, too much and it starts swimming. If your lawn is looking less lush and more lackluster, check your watering routine.
The Plot Thickens: Sunlight Starvation
St Augustine grass loves basking in the sunshine, soaking up those rays like a beachgoer on vacation. If your lawn is under a perpetual shadow, it might be suffering from a severe case of sunlight deprivation. Remember, even plants need their Vitamin D!
The Twist in the Tale: Pesky Pests
Like a thriller with a surprise villain, sometimes the culprit behind your dying grass is an unexpected one – pests. From chinch bugs to grubs, these tiny terrors can wreak havoc on your St Augustine grass. Keep an eye out for these unwanted guests and show them the door with appropriate pest control methods.
The Climax: Fungal Fiascos
Just when you thought you had all bases covered, along comes the plot twist – fungus. This sneaky adversary often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. Look out for telltale signs of fungus, such as brown patches or a powdery white layer on your grass.
The Resolution: Soil Shenanigans
Sometimes, the answer lies beneath the surface. Yes, we’re talking about soil. Poor soil conditions can lead to a lackluster lawn. Check your soil’s pH levels and nutrient content, and consider adding a lawn fertilizer or soil amendment if needed.
What Kills St Augustine Grass
The Crabgrass Conundrum
Crabgrass might be the sneaky villain in our story. A dose of crabgrass killer can leave your St Augustine grass seeing stars. It’s like finding out your favorite cousin is secretly stealing your lunch money.
The Herbicide Hysteria
Plot twist! Some herbicides, like Fusilade II, are not exactly St Augustine grass’s BFFs. It’s like finding out your bodyguard has been helping the paparazzi all along.
Bermuda Triangle Terror
Bermuda grass can be a bully, pushing out St Augustine grass from your lawn. It’s like the schoolyard tough guy claiming all the best spots in the playground.
The Atrazine Anomaly
Atrazine, a popular weed controller, is not very friendly to St Augustine grass. Imagine inviting a friend over for dinner, only to find them snacking on your houseplants.
Glyphosate Grief
Glyphosate, a nonselective herbicide, can spell doom for St Augustine grass. It’s like unleashing a bull in a china shop – nothing is safe!
The Roundup Riddle
Roundup weed killer, a common solution for stubborn weeds, can be disastrous for St Augustine grass. It’s like using a sledgehammer to swat a fly – you’ll get the fly, but at what cost?
How to Stop St Augustine Grass from Spreading
The Edging Escapade
One of the most effective ways to keep St Augustine grass’s ambitions in check is by using lawn edging. It’s like drawing a line in the sand (or soil), saying, “Thus far shall thou go, and no further.” Choose from metal, plastic, or stone edging for this great adventure.
The Mowing Mystery
Who would’ve thought that something as simple as mowing could be our secret weapon? Keeping your St Augustine grass mowed regularly can help control its spreading tendencies. It’s like giving your lawn a regular haircut to prevent it from growing too wild.
The Herbicide Heist
Herbicides, particularly those meant for grass, can help keep St. Augustine’s growth under control. It’s like hiring a bouncer for your garden party – only the invited guests get to stay.
The Root Barrier Riddle
Installing a root barrier can also keep your St Augustine grass confined to its designated area. It’s like building a fence around your lawn’s playground – it can play all it wants, but it can’t step outside the boundary.
The Manual Removal Maneuver
Sometimes, the best approach is the hands-on one. Regularly pulling out the runners, or stolons, of St Augustine grass can help limit its spread. It’s like playing a game of tug-of-war with your lawn – and winning!
How to Get Rid of Crabgrass in St Augustine Grass
AgraLawn to the Rescue
First up, we have AgraLawn Crab Grass Killer. This product is like a bouncer who only throws out the troublemakers but leaves the good guys alone. It’s designed specifically for St. Augustine and centipede lawns and promises not to harm them while dealing with the crabgrass menace.
The Herbicide Hero
Next, we have our trusty sidekick, glyphosate, or glufosinate. When used as a spot treatment, these non-selective herbicides can be your secret weapon against actively growing crabgrass. It’s like using a sniper rifle – you only hit the targets you aim for.
Baking Soda: Not Just for Baking
Who knew that something as humble as baking soda could save the day? Put some baking soda into a sock or hose and pat it over the sprayed weed. It’s like using fairy dust to banish the evil crabgrass from your lawn kingdom.
Detergent Dexterity
Some say that Arm and Hammer detergent (the non-bleach kind), mixed in a gallon of water, can kill crabgrass and leave the St. Augustine unscathed. It’s like inviting a super-clean friend over who tidies up all the mess but leaves your precious belongings untouched.
Pre-emergent Prowess
Last but not least, pre-emergent crabgrass herbicide can be your best defense in the early spring before the first crabgrass weeds have even emerged. It’s like setting up a security system that stops the burglars before they even get to your door.
How to Get Rid of Bermuda Grass in St Augustine
The Herbicide Hoedown
First up, let’s dance with Fusilade II herbicide. This clever concoction is like a savvy bouncer who only boots out the rowdy Bermuda grass, while our beloved St. Augustine continues to party.
Soaking up the Sun
Next, we’re going to harness the power of that big yellow ball in the sky with soil solarization. It’s like turning your lawn into a sun-kissed paradise that Bermuda grass just can’t handle. Everyone loves a beach holiday, but nobody wants a sunburn!
The High-Cut Cha-Cha
Keep your St Augustine grass mowed high. This gives it a leg up over Bermuda grass, much like wearing platform shoes at a concert.
Old School Cool
Sometimes, going retro is the way to go. Manually removing Bermuda grass from your lawn can be a surprisingly satisfying solution. Think of it as a gardening gym session – good for your lawn and your guns!
The Early Bird Special
Using a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring is like setting your alarm to beat the morning rush. It stops Bermuda grass seeds from even thinking about sprouting.
Throw Some Shade
St Augustine grass is a fan of the shady life, but Bermuda grass? Not so much. Planting shade trees or building structures that cast shadows is like throwing a party and conveniently forgetting to invite Bermuda grass.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks – your ultimate guide on how to make St Augustine grass grow fast. With these tips, you’re well on your way to having a lawn that’s the envy of the neighborhood. So go on, give these tips a whirl, and watch your lawn transform into a lush, green paradise!
ALSO READ How Long Does It Take to Grow Sod in 2023: A Complete Guide
FAQs
How long does it take for St Augustine grass to grow?
Well, it’s not as fast as your favorite fast food delivery, but give it a good 7-14 days and you’ll see some sprouting action.
Why is my St Augustine grass not spreading?
This could be down to a number of reasons, like lack of sunshine, not enough water, or perhaps your grass is on a nutrient diet. It’s a bit like trying to grow flowers in a dark room – they need light to flourish!
How long does it take for St Augustine grass to spread?
Once the roots have settled in (about two weeks), your St Augustine grass will start to fan out like a peacock’s tail.
How do you encourage St. Augustine to spread?
A little bit of love goes a long way! Regular watering, mowing, and feeding your grass with fertilizer will have it spreading faster than hot gossip.
Does St Augustine grass spread after sodding?
Absolutely! Once the first few pieces of sod are laid, the others will follow suit, like dominos falling in a line.
When do St Augustine grass roots grow fast?
Spring is the season when St Augustine grass gets its groove on and starts to grow faster.
Does cutting St Augustine grass help it spread?
Indeed it does! Keeping your grass trimmed to about 3.5 to 4 inches is like giving it a stylish haircut that also promotes healthy growth.
How do I get a lush St. Augustine lawn?
A lush St. Augustine lawn doesn’t just happen overnight. It requires regular watering, proper fertilization, and keeping pesky pests at bay.
What makes St. Augustine spread?
The secret here is a mix of care and conditions. It’s like giving a houseplant the right amount of sunlight, water, and TLC.
Why do I have bare spots in my St Augustine grass?
Bare spots could be a sign that pests or diseases are partying hard on your lawn.
Can you grow St Augustine grass from seed?
You can, but it’s a bit like trying to thread a needle while riding a rollercoaster. It’s usually easier to use sod or plugs.
How to plant St Augustine grass sod?
Think of laying down St. Augustine sod as rolling out a green carpet. Just make sure the ground is ready and keep the sod well-watered after planting.
How to get rid of nutsedge in St Augustine grass?
Nutsedge can be a real downer for your lawn. But a selective herbicide designed for nutsedge can show it the exit door.
How often should St Augustine grass be watered?
St Augustine grass likes to stay hydrated. Watering daily until it’s properly established, then scaling back to about an inch of water per week should hit the sweet spot.
