About St. Augustine Grass
If you are searching for a warm-weather turf variety that performs well in shaded areas, St Augustine sod grass will meet your needs. St Augustine grass is adapted to moist, coastal areas with mild winter temperatures like the southern U.S. and is known to be tolerant of high summer temperatures.
St. Augustine grass produces a thick, lush, dark green turf that is highly preferred by homeowners which is why this style of sod grass is used primarily for lawns. It does not tolerate heavy athletic field traffic as well as some other warm season species. However, St. Augustine grass produces satisfactory turf at moderate levels of maintenance, effectively competes with weeds and other grasses, and has only a few serious pests.
Contact our team with any questions to ensure you purchase the right sod grass for your lawn.
How to Care for St Augustine Grass
St. Augustine has been vegetatively propagated for over 200 years. This means that it is produced via stolons, plugs, or sod – there is no such thing as St. Augustine seed. St. Augustine grass is readily established from sod since the species is vigorous and spreads rapidly by creeping stolons. After establishment the success of St. Augustine as a lawn grass depends largely on management.
Soil
As long as fertility and drainage are adequate, St Augustine sod tolerates a wide range of soil types. It grows satisfactorily at a pH range from 5.0 to 8.5, but develops a chlorotic appearance in highly alkaline soils (above pH 7.5). It does not tolerate compacted or waterlogged soil conditions. In addition, St. Augustine is highly tolerant of soil salinity, producing satisfactory growth at salt levels as high as 16 mmhos. Bermuda grass will tolerate only slightly higher salt levels.
Water
Mowing, fertilization and supplemental watering are required to maintain a dense, green, weed-free lawn. In coastal areas where rainfall is adequate, St Augustine sod will survive with little care. In inland areas, where rainfall is less dependable, close management of water is required to maintain a satisfactory lawn.
Water a new St Augustine lawn two times per day for the first 3 weeks then cut back to a normal seasonal schedule. Turn the water on early in the morning and again in the early afternoon. Use enough water to keep the root system wet. However, do not flood the turf.
Light
St Augustine is one of the most shade-tolerant grasses in the warm season grass family.
Temperature
St. Augustine grass is tolerant of high summer temperatures and keeps color at temperatures as much as 10 degrees lower than Bermuda.
Fertilizer
St Augustine sod prefers fertilizers with a high nitrogen content during the growing season and a more balanced throughout the rest of the year. If your soil is slightly acidic be sure to use a fertilizer with iron and other micronutrients for optimal results.
Learn more about other grass species available at RiverView Turf by visiting our grasses page or by contacting our team.