If you’re looking to turn your backyard into a lush, green oasis, St. Augustine grass might be just what you need. Known for its dense, carpet-like coverage, this type of grass thrives in warm climates like Florida and Texas. This makes it a popular choice for homeowners in these areas. Whether you’re starting from scratch or trying to fill in some bare spots, knowing how to properly plant, prepare, and care for your St. Augustine grass lawn helps it achieve that enviable, rich green color.
In this article, I’ll cover exactly when to plant St. Augustine grass for the best results and how to prepare your soil so the grass blades take root and spread. I’ll also discuss how to fertilize, aerate, and water your lawn correctly while avoiding common pitfalls like crabgrass and chinch bugs that can wreak havoc on your hard work.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll be ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work on your St. Augustine grass lawn. Whether you’re dealing with a small patch or a sprawling backyard, these tips will help you transform your space into a beautiful, thriving lawn that you can enjoy all year long.
When To Plant St. Augustine Grass
When it comes to planting St. Augustine grass, timing is everything. This warm-season grass goes dormant and turns brown in cold weather. Wait until the chance of frost has passed and daytime temperatures remain above 70° F before planting plugs, sprigs, or sod. In general, late spring is ideal for most regions because the early summer heat gives those stolons the boost they need to spread quickly across your lawn. If you’re in Texas or a similar climate, aim to plant between early spring and early summer to give your lawn plenty of time to establish before the first fall frost.
Make sure your lawn gets full sun, as St. Augustine grass doesn’t do well in shaded areas. If you’re dealing with bare spots or thin patches, planting St. Augustine grass plugs can help fill them in. Just be sure to give the grass enough time — at least 90 days before the first frost — to take root and establish itself.
How To Prepare the Planting Area
Before you start planting, it’s important to prepare your lawn properly. A soil test can help you understand your soil type and determine if any topsoil or nitrogen fertilizer is needed to support healthy growth.
Proper soil preparation helps St. Augustine grass establish a healthy root system. Adequate moisture is critical, requiring daily watering for the first few weeks after planting. To prepare the planting area:
- For sprigs, plugs, or sod, till the soil to a depth of at least six inches. Add compost or other organic matter if necessary to provide more nutrients. Rake smooth to create an even surface.
- Level any low spots or high areas, as St. Augustine thrives best on flat ground. Fill in dips in the terrain and break up any mounds.
- Test the soil pH, which should be between 5.0 and 8.5 for St. Augustine grass. Add lime if the soil is too low (acidic) or sulfur if it’s too high (alkaline).
- Apply starter fertilizer specifically formulated for St. Augustine grass at the time of planting.
Planting Methods for St. Augustine Grass
When you’re looking to establish or expand your St. Augustine grass lawn, you’ve got a few options to consider. Start by planting plugs, and if you want them to fill in faster, simply plant them closer together or increase the number of plugs per square foot. This helps the grass spread more quickly, giving you that lush coverage.
Sodding and seeding are other methods to think about, especially if you’re aiming for a quicker or more uniform result. St. Augustine grass loves well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter, so it’s a good idea to test your soil’s pH. A pH between six and seven is ideal, and if it’s off, you can easily adjust it with lime or sulfur. Also, make sure your soil isn’t compacted, as compacted soil can lead to poor drainage and even root rot.
To avoid these issues, aerate your lawn regularly. Aerating helps prevent soil compaction, ensuring that your St. Augustine grass has the best chance to thrive. With the right planting method and proper soil care, you’ll have a healthy, green lawn in no time.
Plugs are small, 3 to 4 inch squares of grass with roots and a small amount of soil. Dig holes and place the plugs about 12 inches apart. Gently firm the soil around each plug and cover with straw to retain moisture.
Sprigs are 3 to 4 inch pieces of stem that contain nodes where roots will form. Use a shovel or spade to create trenches about four inches deep and 12 inches apart. Cover with 1 to 2 inches of soil and water thoroughly.
Sodding offers full, instant coverage with the proper preparation. Place sod pieces tightly together so gaps don’t form as they grow. Roll sod after planting for best results.
Seeding is rarely necessary, as St. Augustine seeds can be hard to find and have a low germination rate. If necessary, however, spread seeds just before the rainy season for best results. Cover lightly with soil and keep moist. Germination takes 14 to 30 days.
Regardless of the planting method, proper watering is key. Water daily until the grass takes root and becomes established, which typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. After that, water 2 to 3 times a week.
Fertilizing Newly Planted St. Augustine Grass
Fertilizer provides the nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other nutrients St. Augustine grass needs to spread and thrive. I recommend you apply starter fertilizer when planting sod, sprigs, or plugs. Options include:
Granular Fertilizers
Choose a slow-release formula that provides longer nutrition and spread it with a broadcast spreader. When applying to newly planted sod, use half the recommended rate two weeks after planting. Fertilize again four weeks after planting with a full application.
Liquid Fertilizers
Attach to the irrigation system or spray on with a hose-end sprayer to provide immediate but shorter-term nutrients. Fertilize two weeks after planting and monthly throughout the first growing season.
During the second season, fertilize St. Augustine 3 to 4 times starting in early spring, allowing 6 to 8 weeks between applications. Apply at half the recommended rate when grass isn’t actively growing in summer.
Maintenance Tips for St. Augustine Grass
Regular maintenance is crucial to keeping St. Augustine grass healthy and looking its best. Proper maintenance includes:
- Water established lawns 2 to 3 times per week, providing 1 to 2 inches of water each week to prevent browning and dormancy.
- Mow often, removing no more than 1/3 of the total blade length each time. St. Augustine should be 2 to 4 inches tall.
- Control weeds with pre-and post-emergent herbicides labeled for St. Augustine. You can also hand-pull small weed infestations.
- Dethatch in spring and fall to prevent the buildup of dead grass stems and roots. Thatch prevents air, water, and nutrients from reaching the soil.
- Aerate compacted areas in spring or fall to help the grass develop deeper roots.
- Apply preventive fungicides to avoid diseases like brown patches, gray leaf spots, and take-all root rot.
- Don’t remove dormant brown grass in winter unless you plan to re-sod in spring. Exposing dormant roots may kill the grass.
So, Is Spreading St. Augustine Grass Worth the Effort?
Maintaining a thriving St. Augustine lawn requires consistent care and attention, but the payoff is well worth the effort. By following the right planting techniques, ensuring proper soil preparation, and keeping up with regular maintenance, you’ll be well on your way to a beautiful, lush lawn that stands up to the challenges of warm climates. From aerating to fertilizing, every step you take strengthens your turfgrass, giving it the best chance to spread and flourish.
As you nurture your St. Augustine grass, remember that patience is key. It may take some time, but with persistence and the right lawn care practices, you’ll soon enjoy a green, dense lawn that’s the envy of the neighborhood.
FAQs About St. Augustine Grass
Yes, St. Augustine spreads relatively quickly, aboveground and below-ground. Established St. Augustine should fill an area within one year. Fertilizing can speed up the spread.
Seville St. Augustine is the most shade-tolerant cultivar, and it grows best in partial sun. Most varieties need full sun for optimal growth.
St. Augustine requires more water and care than some grasses but less than others. Maintain it by mowing, fertilizing, aerating, and dethatching. It also boasts a high disease and insect resistance.
To restore St. Augustine, aerate compacted areas, re-sod patches, apply fertilizer and organic matter, adjust watering, and use fungicides or insecticides as needed.
Palmetto St. Augustine is considered the hardiest cultivar overall, with solid resistance to diseases, drought, and shade.
