The Ultimate Guide to St. Augustine Grass in Florida
If you live in Sarasota and Manatee counties, chances are you’ve come across the lush, green carpet of St. Augustine grass. It thrives in Florida’s warm, humid climate. It’s a broad-bladed, medium-to-dark green grass that forms a dense turf, making it perfect for both residential and commercial landscapes. Its ability to handle heat and humidity, along with some salt tolerance, makes it ideal for Florida’s coastal areas. It’s one of the most popular turf choices for homeowners and businesses across the Sunshine State. But what makes this grass so special, and how can you keep it looking its best?
St. Augustine grass loves the sun. It does best in areas with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. It prefers well-drained soils and does not perform as well in areas prone to standing water.
It’s also important to note that St. Augustine grass doesn’t handle cold temperatures well. If you’re in North Florida, you might notice it goes dormant in the winter, turning brown until warmer temps return.
Mowing and Maintenance Tips
1. Keep your mower blades sharp to avoid tearing the grass.
2. Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.
3. Mow frequently during the growing season (spring through early fall).
Watering St. Augustine Grass
1. Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation.
2. Aim for about ¾ inch to 1 inch of water twice a week during dry periods.
3. Watch for signs of drought stress—grass blades will fold, turn bluish-gray, and footprints will stay visible.
Fertilizing and Pest Control
Unfortunately, St. Augustine grass is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:
1. Chinch bugs: Tiny insects that suck the juices out of grass blades, causing yellow or brown patches.
2. Gray leaf spot: A fungal disease that appears as gray or brown spots on blades.
3. Brown patch fungus: Circular areas of dead grass, typically during cooler, damp weather.
Caring for St. Augustine grass can feel overwhelming, but that’s where we come in. With over 20 years of experience in Florida lawn care and pest control, Westfall’s Lawn and Pest Control has the tools, expertise, and knowledge to keep your lawn green, healthy, and pest-free.
Whether you need fertilization, pest control, or just some advice on how to get your grass back to its full potential, our team is here for you. Contact Westfall’s today for a free consultation and see why so many Florida homeowners trust us with their lawns.