Deep blue-green, fast-growing and easily cultivated St. Augustine is uniquely suited to our climate and is one of Florida’s favorite turf grasses. Use these helpful tips to keep your St. Augustine lawn looking its best all year long.
- Never cut more than one-third of the total length of your lawn. Cutting grass too short interferes with photosynthesis and can cause yellowing. To maintain a lawn 3 inches in height, allow the grass to grow 4 inches long before mowing.
- Moderate fertilization can reduce mowing frequency to every four to five days or once weekly.
- St. Augustine lawns should be maintained at a height of between 3-1/2 and 4 inches to develop a strong root structure and look their best. If you allow the lawn to grow to over 6 inches high, you’ll risk cutting the stolon when mowing, stressing the turf and reducing new growth.
- Choose the highest wheel setting on your mower to achieve the proper height and always use a sharp blade. Dull blades whip the grass rather than making clean cuts. Jaggedly cut grass yellows quickly and requires more water. Sharpen or replace mower blades yearly for best results.
- Allowing St. Augustine to overgrow can result in a thick mat or thatch at soil level. Thatch reduces water absorption and is a leading cause of cinch bug infestations and damaging fungus.
- St. Augustine usually requires supplemental irrigation during prolonged dry periods to remain green and thriving.
- Most turf grasses naturally go dormant in the fall. Reduce mowing frequency when the weather changes. In mid-March, mow the brown tops from the lawn to warm the soil and expose the roots to sunlight. It isn’t necessary to cut the grass very low or scalp it.
If you have questions or need help maintaining your St. Augustine turf, contact the lawn specialists at Keep it Green today.
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