St. Augustine Grass In Grapevine
There are great resources for information about St. Augustine grass in Grapevine and other DFW area cities. One of the best is information from Texas A and M. This pamphlet has wonderful detailed information that you can use to keep your lawn looking beautiful. Written by Gene R. Taylor II, Assistant Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist and Jason Gray, Extension Assistant—Turfgrass Management at The Texas A&M University System, is spells out the fertilization needed, how high to mow, and how to tackle St. Augustine issues like diseases and insects.
The St. Augustine publication is work checking out. Here are some highlights:
St. Augustine is medium to dark green and coarse textured, and it has a low, dense growth habit. It grows well
in nearly all soil types and tolerates shade, heat, salt and, to some degree, drought. It does not tolerate waterlogged soils
or extended periods of cold weather. St. Augustine grass is an aggressive species that spreads rapidly by above-ground
growth structures called stolons. If managed properly, St. Augustine grass forms a dense cover that handles light traffic
and competes well with most weeds. St. Augustine grass is the most shade tolerant warm-season turfgrass.”
“Recommendations for June through September include: JUNE through September
Mowing – Follow the same recommendations as for March through May.
Fertilizing – Continue the fertilizer program begun in the spring, applying 1 to 11 /2 pounds of nitrogen per
1,000 square feet every 8 to 10 weeks. Without soil test information, it is recommended that you use a fertilizer that either contains nitrogen only (21-0-0, ammonium sulfate) or is low in phosphorus (Examples: 21-3-6 or 15-0-15) to reduce the chance of excessive phosphorus Frequent mowing at a low mowing height produces a higher quality turf grass.
To prevent yellowing caused by iron chlorosis, apply liquid or granular iron fertilizer throughout the growing season. Follow the label directions for the rate of application. Fertilizers containing iron may stain concrete, brick or stone surfaces.
Watering
Follow the same recommendations as for March through May.
Controlling weeds
Continue applying post emergent herbicide as needed.Herbicides containing 2,4-D should be used with care, as St.
Augustinegrass is sensitive to this herbicide. Herbicides may damage the lawn if you apply them when the temperature is
higher than 90 ºF.
Controlling insects
Follow the same recommendations as for March through May. The most effective time to treat for white grubs is in
August when they are immature and close to the soil surface.
Eliminating compacted soils -Follow the same recommendations as for March through May”
Using this pamphlet can help you with your St. Augustine grass care in Grapevine. Consider a lawn care company if any issues like insect, disease, or nutrient deficiencies arise. Do you have Bermuda grass in your St. Augustine? Read more about Bermuda grass here.
