{"id":71219,"date":"2026-06-01T17:08:35","date_gmt":"2026-06-01T20:08:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=71219"},"modified":"2026-06-03T09:37:25","modified_gmt":"2026-06-03T12:37:25","slug":"how-to-care-for-st-augustine-grass","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-care-for-st-augustine-grass\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Care for St. Augustinegrass"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">St. Augustinegrass is a warm-season grass known for its thick, carpet-like appearance and exceptional shade tolerance compared to other Southern grasses.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide covers everything you need to know about caring for your St. Augustine lawn, from mowing and watering to pest control.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Between precise mowing heights, seasonal fertilizer timing, and pest monitoring, keeping St. Augustine healthy takes consistent effort. Let one of LawnStarter&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=lawn-treatment\">lawn treatment pros<\/a> handle the hard part.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 Mow St. Augustinegrass to 2\u20134 inches, water about 1 inch per week, and fertilize in late spring for the healthiest lawn.<br>\u2022 Use sod or plugs to fill bare spots. St. Augustine spreads via stolons and cannot be overseeded.<br>\u2022 Watch for signs of chinch bugs, gray leaf spot, and take-all root rot, the most common threats to St. Augustine lawns.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-17524ee5-5223-45c5-9906-8da408e139bb\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">Table of Contents<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-care-for-st-augustine-grass\/#0-st-augustinegrass-at-a-glance\" style=\"\">St. Augustinegrass at a Glance<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-care-for-st-augustine-grass\/#4-planting-st-augustinegrass\" style=\"\">Planting St. Augustinegrass<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-care-for-st-augustine-grass\/#7-how-to-maintain-st-augustinegrass\" style=\"\">How to Maintain St. Augustinegrass<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-care-for-st-augustine-grass\/#17-why-st-augustinegrass-cannot-be-overseeded\" style=\"\">Why St. Augustinegrass Cannot Be Overseeded<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-care-for-st-augustine-grass\/#18-how-to-make-st-augustinegrass-thicker-and-greener\" style=\"\">How to Make St. Augustinegrass Thicker and Greener<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-care-for-st-augustine-grass\/#19-faqs\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 id=\"0-st-augustinegrass-at-a-glance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">St. Augustinegrass at a Glance<\/h2>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Classification:<\/strong> Warm-season grass<\/li>    <li><strong>Spreads by: <\/strong>Stolons<\/li>    <li><strong>Shade tolerance: <\/strong>Moderate; it is the most shade-tolerant warm-season grass.<\/li>    <li><strong>Drought tolerance<\/strong>: Moderate<\/li>    <li><strong>Foot traffic tolerance:<\/strong> Low<\/li>    <li><strong>Maintenance needs:<\/strong> Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization. <\/li>    <li><strong>Mowing height: <\/strong>Set the mowing height between 2 and 4 inches.<\/li>    <li><strong>Potential for disease:<\/strong> Moderate to high <\/li>    <li><strong>Soil pH:<\/strong> 6 to 7.5<\/li>    <li><strong>Soil type:<\/strong> Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; doesn\u2019t tolerate soil compaction.<\/li> <\/ul>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnstarterdev.wpenginepowered.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Grass-Map.jpg\" alt=\"U.S. map displaying ideal grass planting zones: cool-season (blue), transition zone (green), and warm-season (orange) with corresponding recommended planting times for each region.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">St. Augustinegrass is a warm-season grass known for its thick, carpet-like appearance and shade tolerance. It thrives across the southern U.S., particularly in Texas and Florida, and features broad, blue-green blades that spread via above-ground runners called stolons.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">St. Augustine spreads only by stolons (above-ground runners), not rhizomes (underground runners). It can fill in bare spots on its own, but it&#8217;s slower than grasses like Bermuda that spread both above and below ground. Plugging or sodding speeds it up.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This grass thrives in full sun and partial shade. Its salt tolerance makes it ideal for coastal regions. It has poor wear tolerance and is not recommended for high-traffic areas like play zones.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"1-what-st-augustinegrass-looks-like\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What St. Augustinegrass Looks Like<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can spot St. Augustine by its broad, flat, blue-green blades that form a dense, carpet-like turf. The blades have a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/hgic.clemson.edu\/distinguishing-the-difference-between-centipedegrass-and-st-augustinegrass\/\">rounded, blunt tip<\/a>, unlike the pointed tips of many other grasses. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&nbsp;spreads through above-ground stolons, which you can see creeping across bare soil.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"2-pros-and-cons-of-st-augustinegrass\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros and Cons of St. Augustinegrass<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/St-Augustine-Grass.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Close-up view of bright green St. Augustinegrass lawn blades growing densely in sunlight, showing healthy outdoor ground cover texture.\" class=\"wp-image-91072\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/St-Augustine-Grass.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/St-Augustine-Grass-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/St-Augustine-Grass-646x485.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/St-Augustine-Grass-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/St-Augustine-Grass-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Close-up view of St. Augustinegrass lawn. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Staugustinegrass.JPG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stickpen<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Public_domain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Public domain<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2713 Excellent shade tolerance compared to other warm-season grasses<\/td><td>\u2717 Requires regular watering and fertilizing<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2713 Thick turf naturally crowds out weeds<\/td><td>\u2717 Susceptible to chinch bugs<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2713 Salt-tolerant, great for coastal yards<\/td><td>\u2717 Does not tolerate heavy foot traffic<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2713 Spreads quickly via stolons<\/td><td>\u2717 Cannot be established from seed<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h3 id=\"3-common-st-augustinegrass-cultivars\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common St. Augustinegrass Cultivars<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not all St. Augustine is the same. Choosing the right cultivar for your yard&#8217;s conditions makes a big difference:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Cultivar<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Best For<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Floratam<\/td><td>Full sun, coarse-texture for large yards<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Palmetto<\/td><td>Shade tolerance, semi-dwarf habit<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Bitterblue<\/td><td>Shade and cold tolerance, fine texture<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Raleigh<\/td><td>Cold tolerance in northern regions<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Captiva<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.flvc.org\/edis\/article\/view\/118354\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chinch bug resistant<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/warm-season-grass-growing-guide\/\">Guide to Growing Warm-Season Grasses<\/a><\/p>    <h2 id=\"4-planting-st-augustinegrass\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Planting St. Augustinegrass<\/h2>    <h3 id=\"5-when-to-plant-st-augustinegrass\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">When to Plant St. Augustinegrass<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plant St. Augustine during its active growing season, from late spring through early summer. This allows proper root establishment before winter dormancy. Avoid fall or winter planting.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"6-how-to-establish-st-augustinegrass\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Establish St. Augustinegrass<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">St. Augustine is established using sod or plugs. Prepare soil by removing old grass, tilling, and adding a layer of compost.&nbsp;Lay sod pieces tightly together, staggering the seams like bricks.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For grass plugs, <a href=\"https:\/\/content.ces.ncsu.edu\/carolina-lawns\" target=\"_blank\">space plugs<\/a> 6 to 12 inches apart and let the stolons spread naturally to fill the gaps.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related: <\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-use-grass-plugs\/\">What are Grass Plugs and How to Use Them<\/a><\/p><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-lay-sod\/\" rel=\"bookmark\" class=\"text0-black visited:text-black\">How to Lay Sod (Step-by-Step Guide)<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"7-how-to-maintain-st-augustinegrass\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Maintain St. Augustinegrass<\/h2>    <h3 id=\"8-st-augustinegrass-seasonal-care-schedule\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">St. Augustinegrass Seasonal Care Schedule<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">St. Augustine care isn&#8217;t one-size-fits-all year-round. What you do in spring is completely different from what your lawn needs in winter. Use this quick-reference calendar to stay on track:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Season<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Key Tasks<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Spring<\/td><td>Start mowing when grass greens up, apply pre-emergent herbicide, test soil<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Summer<\/td><td>Mow regularly, water twice weekly, fertilize, monitor for chinch bugs, spot treat weeds<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fall<\/td><td>Continue mowing as needed, apply fall pre-emergent to prevent winter weeds<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Winter<\/td><td>Avoid foot traffic on frosty grass, keep lawn clear of leaves and debris<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h3 id=\"9-keep-st-augustinegrass-tall\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keep&nbsp;St. Augustinegrass Tall<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">St. Augustine mowing season runs from spring green-up through fall.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Cultivar Group<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Ideal Mowing Height<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Start mowing at (or earlier)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Standard (Floratam, Palmetto, Bitterblue, Raleigh)<\/td><td>3.5 to 4 inches<\/td><td>5.25 to 6 inches<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Dwarf (Seville, Delmar, Captiva)<\/td><td>2 to 2.5 inches<\/td><td>3 to 3.75 inches<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Source: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/ask.ifas.ufl.edu\/publication\/LH028\">University of Florida<\/a><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Avoid cutting St. Augustine too short as it invites weeds and disease. Most cultivars should be kept 3.5 to 4 inches tall. If your lawn is overgrown, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-mow-tall-grass\/\">mow the tall grass<\/a> in stages rather than scalping it.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/what-is-one-third-rule-mowing-grass\/\">one-third rule<\/a> when mowing: Don&#8217;t cut more than one-third of the grass&#8217;s height at once, or you risk stressing your turf.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ask.ifas.ufl.edu\/publication\/LH010\" target=\"_blank\">Sharpen mower blades monthly<\/a><strong> <\/strong>during the growing season for St. Augustine. Dull blades tear leaf tips, leaving a brownish cast on the lawn and creating entry points for disease.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Quick visual check:<\/strong> Look at the grass tips a day after mowing. Clean white-green cuts indicate a sharp blade. Frayed, brown, jagged tips say, &#8220;Sharpen now!&#8221; <a href=\"https:\/\/hgic.clemson.edu\/factsheet\/st-augustinegrass-maintenance-calendar\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Clemson<\/a> adds a second tell: If your bagger is picking up soil, mainly sand, sharpen more often than monthly.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-equipment\/how-to-sharpen-lawn-mower-blades\/\">How to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades<\/a><\/p>    <h3 id=\"10-adjust-watering-to-rainfall\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Adjust Watering to Rainfall<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/watering-grass.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"A lawn sprinkler waters lush St. Augustine grass in front of a suburban house, keeping the yard green under bright sunshine.\" class=\"wp-image-140834\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/watering-grass.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/watering-grass-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/watering-grass-656x492.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/watering-grass-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/watering-grass-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A sprinkler waters a St. Augustinegrass lawn. Photo Credit: Tom McNiff \/ LawnStarter<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">St. Augustinegrass has moderate drought tolerance once established and needs about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week during the growing season to stay healthy.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Season<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Water Amount<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Frequency<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Spring (Mar-May)<\/td><td>1 inch per week<\/td><td>1 to 2 sessions per week<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Summer (Jun-Aug)<\/td><td>1 to 1.5 inches per week<\/td><td>2 to 3 sessions per week<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fall (Sep-Nov)<\/td><td>1 inch per week<\/td><td>1 to 2 sessions per week<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Winter (Dec-Feb)<\/td><td>0.5 inch<\/td><td>Every 3 to 4 weeks<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If&nbsp;your lawn isn&#8217;t getting enough rain, water it twice a week in long, deep sessions rather than quick daily sprinkles. Deep watering pushes roots down into the soil, making your lawn more drought-tolerant.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A simple way to check soil moisture is to walk on the lawn. If the blades spring back, the grass is hydrated. If they have curled or turned dull, it&#8217;s time to water.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Best time to water:<\/strong> Early morning between sunrise and 10 a.m. This lets water saturate the ground before sun and wind cause evaporation. Avoid watering in the evening, which can cause rot and fungal infections.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-much-water-does-st-augustinegrass-need\/\">How Much Water Does St. Augustinegrass Need?<\/a><\/p>    <h3 id=\"11-how-and-when-to-fertilize-st-augustinegrass\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How and When to Fertilize St. Augustinegrass<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fertilize St. Augustine during its active growing season, typically spring through late summer, applying <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aces.edu\/blog\/topics\/lawn-garden\/st-augustinegrass-lawns\/\" target=\"_blank\">2 to 4 pounds<\/a> of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet annually, split across 3 to 4 applications. Single applications shouldn&#8217;t exceed 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, and at least half should be slow-release nitrogen.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Test your soil before fertilizing.<\/strong> A soil test tells you which nutrients your lawn actually needs and which it doesn&#8217;t. The University of Florida recommends testing every 2 to 3 years to avoid over-applying.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Check your local fertilizer ordinances.<\/strong> Many Florida counties enforce a summer fertilizer blackout (typically June 1 \u2013 September 30) to reduce nutrient runoff during the rainy season. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/reviews\/best-fertilizers-st-augustinegrass\/\" rel=\"bookmark\" class=\"text0-black visited:text-black\">7 Best Fertilizers for St. Augustinegrass in 2026 [Reviews]<\/a><\/p>    <h3 id=\"12-does-st-augustinegrass-have-too-much-thatch\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does St. Augustinegrass Have Too Much Thatch?<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">St. Augustinegrass is prone to thatch buildup due to its dense, fast-growing habit and the thick runners it spreads above the ground. Soil compaction, mowing the grass too low, overfertilization, and overwatering speed up thatch accumulation.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thatch is the layer of organic material that sits between the soil and your grass blades. A healthy layer is less than 0.5-inch thick; at that depth, it helps insulate and retain moisture.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once it thickens to over <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/aggieturf.tamu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/St.AugustineManagementCalendar2020.pdf\">0.5 inch<\/a>, water and fertilizer can&#8217;t reach the roots, and pests find the perfect hiding spot. If removal is needed, do it in late spring or early summer when the lawn begins to actively grow.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/when-to-dethatch-lawn\/\" rel=\"bookmark\" class=\"text0-black visited:text-black\">When to Dethatch Your Lawn<\/a><\/p>    <h3 id=\"13-when-does-st-augustinegrass-need-aeration\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">When Does St. Augustinegrass Need Aeration?<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"515\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/aeration-1.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Infographic about before and after effects of aeration\" class=\"wp-image-128088\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/aeration-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/aeration-1-300x193.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/aeration-1-656x422.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/aeration-1-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/aeration-1-768x494.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your soil is hard, waterlogged in spots, or your grass looks thin despite regular care, compaction may be the problem. Aeration fixes this by removing small plugs of soil, opening pathways for water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aerate your St. Augustine lawn in early summer during peak growth. Clay lawns typically need annual aeration, while sandy soils usually need it only once every 2 to 3 years.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To test whether aeration is needed, insert a screwdriver into the ground. If it doesn&#8217;t budge, your soil is likely compacted. If it slides in easily, you can skip it.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related: <\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-test-for-compacted-soil\/\" rel=\"bookmark\" class=\"text0-black visited:text-black\">How to Test for Compacted Soil<\/a><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/core-aeration-vs-spike-aeration-whats-the-difference\/\">Core Aeration vs. Spike Aeration<\/a><\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"14-choose-herbicides-labeled-for-st-augustinegrass\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Choose Herbicides Labeled for St. Augustinegrass<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Weeds leach valuable nutrients and soak up water, affecting your grass&#8217;s growth. Although St. Augustine&#8217;s thick turf chokes out most weeds, crabgrass and others can still sneak through. Herbicides are a quick fix for an intrusive weed problem.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Effective weed control comes down to 2 types of herbicides: pre-emergent and post-emergent.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pre-emergent herbicides:<\/strong> Used as a preventative treatment before weeds develop. These chemicals inhibit growth in potential weeds, stopping them before they sprout above the surface.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Post-emergent herbicides:<\/strong> Tackle weeds that have already emerged above the surface by killing the leaves, the roots, or both. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> St. Augustine is sensitive to some postemergence herbicides used for lawns, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/vaturf.org\/topics\/2024-can-we-control-weeds-in-saint-augustine-topic-3-quiz-1-question-1\/\">such as 2,4-D<\/a>. Look for products labeled for St. Augustinegrass. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/guide-weed-control-yard\/\">Guide to Weed Control for Your Yard<\/a><\/p>    <h3 id=\"15-common-st-augustinegrass-pests-and-how-to-treat-them\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common St. Augustinegrass Pests (And How to Treat Them)<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chinch bugs are the No. 1 threat to St. Augustine, capable of building populations exceeding <a href=\"https:\/\/fieldreport.caes.uga.edu\/publications\/C1147\/southern-chinch-bug-biology-and-management-in-turfgrass\/\" target=\"_blank\">100 bugs per square foot<\/a>, but 2 other pests can cause damage if left unchecked. Here&#8217;s how to identify and treat all 3:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Chinch bugs: <\/strong>Small black insects (1\/8 inch) with folded white wings, often causing yellow to brown patches in sunny, dry areas. To <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/get-rid-of-chinch-bugs\/\">get rid of a chinch bug<\/a> infestation, use insecticides with bifenthrin or cyfluthrin.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>White grubs: <\/strong>C-shaped white larvae in soil; turf lifts like loose carpet. Treat with trichlorfon (curative) or imidacloprid (preventive) at 5+ grubs per square foot. <\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Mole crickets: <\/strong>Light-brown, 1.5 inches, with shovel-like front legs. Look for raised soil ridges and spongy turf. Confirm with a soap flush before applying a labeled insecticide. <\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/common-insect-pests-damaging-lawn\/\">15 Common Insect Pests Damaging Your Lawn<\/a><\/p>    <h3 id=\"16-st-augustinegrass-disease-control\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">St. Augustinegrass Disease Control<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Brown patches, yellowing circles, or gray spots on your St. Augustine lawn are usually signs of disease, not drought. Here are the 3 most common culprits:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Gray leaf spot:<\/strong> A fungal pathogen that attacks leaf blades when moisture remains on leaves for at least <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.msstate.edu\/publications\/the-plant-doctor-gray-leaf-spot-st-augustinegrass\">16 hours<\/a>. Fungicides are an effective treatment.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Pythium root rot:<\/strong> Supported by poor drainage. Signs include wilting, stunted growth, and crown rot. Run a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/keep-grass-healthy-lawn-sprinkler-audit\/\">lawn sprinkler audit<\/a> or relieve soil compaction to improve drainage.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Take-all root rot:<\/strong> This soil-dwelling fungal infection is resistant to most anti-fungal treatments. Switch to infrequent, deep soakings instead of frequent shallow watering to help manage it.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/common-lawn-diseases\/\" rel=\"bookmark\" class=\"text0-black visited:text-black\">Common Lawn Diseases and How to Identify Them<\/a><br><\/p>    <h2 id=\"17-why-st-augustinegrass-cannot-be-overseeded\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why St. Augustinegrass Cannot Be Overseeded<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">St. Augustine is established only through sod or planting grass plugs, and you won&#8217;t find St. Augustine seeds at a garden center. For bare or thin spots, use plugs or sod, depending on the size of the damaged area.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overseeding St. Augustine with ryegrass for winter color is possible, but not encouraged. According to Clemson Extension, the additional irrigation, fertilization, and shading from <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/hgic.clemson.edu\/factsheet\/overseeding-with-ryegrass\/\">ryegrass can stress St. Augustine<\/a> in spring and early summer and creates undesirable competition.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"18-how-to-make-st-augustinegrass-thicker-and-greener\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Make St. Augustinegrass Thicker and Greener<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"537\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/st-augustine.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up view of fresh green St. Augustinegrass blades growing thickly, showing soft lawn texture and healthy outdoor ground cover.\" class=\"wp-image-137157\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/st-augustine.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/st-augustine-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/st-augustine-656x440.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/st-augustine-150x101.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/st-augustine-768x516.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">St. Augustinegrass lawn close-up. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/green-grass\/3480960?prev_url=detail\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jim Cox<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Want a thicker, greener lawn? Mow high, water deep, fertilize on time, and plug any bare spots. Here&#8217;s how each one contributes:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Mow high:<\/strong> Keeping grass at 2 to 4 inches encourages deeper roots and helps stolons spread, creating a denser turf that chokes out weeds.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Water deeply, not daily:<\/strong> Longer, less frequent watering sessions push roots deeper, making your lawn more drought-tolerant and resilient.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Fertilize correctly:<\/strong> Use a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer in early summer. A soil test will identify whether you also need iron. St. Augustine commonly develops iron chlorosis (yellowing between the veins of the leaf blade) in high-pH soils, and iron supplements can restore that deep blue-green color quickly.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Address bare spots:<\/strong> St. Augustine spreads on its own, but planting sod plugs in thin areas speeds up coverage significantly.<br><\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"19-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs<\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17798941923481141\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is St. Augustinegrass Safe for Pets?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">St. Augustinegrass itself is non-toxic and safe for dogs and cats to walk and play on. However, herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers applied to the lawn can be harmful. Always follow product label instructions for re-entry times, and keep pets off treated areas until the product has dried or been watered in.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17798941923484804\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can You Over-Fertilize St. Augustinegrass?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, it&#8217;s easy to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/can-you-over-fertilize-lawn\/\">over-fertilize your lawn<\/a>. Excess nitrogen causes yellow or brown streaks and root damage.&nbsp;Follow the fertilizer bag instructions and avoid applying during extreme heat or dormancy.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17798941923487636\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How Long Does St. Augustinegrass Take to Establish?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">St. Augustine sod typically takes 2 to 3 weeks to root into the soil. Plugs take longer, usually 6 to 12 months to fully fill in, depending on spacing and growing conditions. Water new sod or plugs daily for the first 7 to 10 days to support establishment.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 id=\"20-get-professional-st-augustinegrass-care\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get Professional St. Augustinegrass Care<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">St. Augustine is beautiful and resilient, but it does demand consistent attention. If mowing heights, fertilizer timing, and chinch bug watch feel like a second job, hand it off to a pro.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>LawnStarter<\/strong>&#8216;s local lawn care professionals handle mowing, fertilization, weed control, and more. <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=fertilization\">Get a lawn treatment quote<\/a> today and keep your St. Augustine lush without losing your weekends.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image: Healthy St. Augustinegrass lawn view. Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/green-field-of-st-augustine-grass\/515041765\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jennifer<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read More:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/centipedegrass-lawn-maintenance-guide\/\">Centipedegrass Lawn Maintenance Guide<\/a><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-fix-overfertilized-lawn\/\">How to Fix an Over-Fertilized Lawn<\/a><\/p><\/li> <\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>St. Augustinegrass is a southern staple. Learn how to care for St. Augustinegrass all year round and protect it from pests and diseases.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":115,"featured_media":150153,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[9],"class_list":["post-71219","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lawn-care-2","tag-lawn-care"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/12\/St.-augustine-grass.jpg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Caleb Leonard","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/caleb-leonard\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Care for St. Augustinegrass<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"St. Augustinegrass is a southern staple. 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Learn how to care for St. Augustinegrass all year round and protect it from pests and diseases.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-care-for-st-augustine-grass\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Lawnstarter\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-06-01T20:08:35+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-06-03T12:37:25+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/12\/St.-augustine-grass.jpg?wsr\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Caleb Leonard\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Caleb Leonard\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/lawn-care-2\\\/how-to-care-for-st-augustine-grass\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/lawn-care-2\\\/how-to-care-for-st-augustine-grass\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Caleb Leonard\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/e72af6d85fb8318efaa3de01d5032bfc\"},\"headline\":\"How to Care for St. Augustinegrass\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-06-01T20:08:35+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-06-03T12:37:25+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/lawn-care-2\\\/how-to-care-for-st-augustine-grass\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":2316,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/lawn-care-2\\\/how-to-care-for-st-augustine-grass\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/12\\\/St.-augustine-grass.jpg?wsr\",\"keywords\":[\"lawn care\"],\"articleSection\":[\"General Lawn Care\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/lawn-care-2\\\/how-to-care-for-st-augustine-grass\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/lawn-care-2\\\/how-to-care-for-st-augustine-grass\\\/\",\"name\":\"How to Care for St. Augustinegrass\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/lawn-care-2\\\/how-to-care-for-st-augustine-grass\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/lawn-care-2\\\/how-to-care-for-st-augustine-grass\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/12\\\/St.-augustine-grass.jpg?wsr\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-06-01T20:08:35+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-06-03T12:37:25+00:00\",\"description\":\"St. Augustinegrass is a southern staple. 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