How to Make St Augustine Grass Spread Quickly: Essential Tips for Optimal Growth

---

---

Proper Soil Preparation For St. Augustine Grass

St. Augustine grass is a versatile and resilient grass species that thrives in the Texas heat and can withstand drought conditions while still maintaining its lush green color. However, to ensure optimal growth and quick spread, it is crucial to prepare the soil properly before planting your St. Augustine grass.

The first step in soil preparation is to determine the pH levels of your soil. St. Augustine grass requires a pH range of 5.0 to 8.5 for healthy growth. If your soil’s pH levels fall outside this range, you may need to make adjustments by adding lime or sulfur to achieve the desired pH balance.

Additionally, tilling the soil is essential to create a loose and aerated environment for the grass roots. It helps break up compacted soil, allowing for better water and nutrient penetration. After tilling, it is recommended to add compost or organic matter to enrich the soil. This improves soil structure, enhances moisture retention, and provides essential nutrients for the grass to thrive.

Furthermore, it is crucial to level the ground before planting St. Augustine grass. A level surface ensures uniform growth and prevents water pooling. Use a leveling rake or landscape roller to even out any uneven areas and create a smooth base for your grass.

Choosing The Best Planting Method For St. Augustine Grass

When it comes to planting St. Augustine grass, there are several methods you can choose from, including using plugs, sprigs, sod, or seeds. Each method has its own advantages and considerations, so selecting the right one will help ensure the quick spread and establishment of your St. Augustine grass lawn.

Plugs are small sections of established St. Augustine grass that can be planted at regular intervals to cover a larger area. Sprigs, on the other hand, are rooted stems of St. Augustine grass that can be planted directly into the soil. Both plugs and sprigs should be planted with proper spacing to provide enough room for the grass to grow but close enough to ensure quick coverage. After planting, covering the planted areas with a thin layer of soil or straw helps retain moisture and promotes faster root development.

Sodding is another popular method for instant coverage with St. Augustine grass. High-quality sod pieces are placed tightly together, essentially creating an instant and uniform lawn. After laying the sod, it is crucial to roll the area to ensure good soil contact and to eliminate any air pockets that may hinder root development. Adequate soil preparation is necessary for successful sodding to prevent the grass from becoming sparse or dying off.

While seeding St. Augustine grass is rarely necessary due to its vigorous spreading nature, if seeding is required, it should be done just before the rainy season. The seeds should be spread evenly across the prepared soil and kept moist throughout the germination process.

• Plugs and sprigs should be planted with proper spacing
• Cover planted areas with a thin layer of soil or straw
• Roll the sodded area to ensure good soil contact and eliminate air pockets
• Adequate soil preparation is necessary for successful sodding
• Seeds should be spread evenly across prepared soil
• Keep seeds moist throughout the germination process.

Watering And Fertilizing Tips For Healthy St. Augustine Grass

Watering is a crucial factor in establishing and promoting the growth of St. Augustine grass. To ensure a strong foundation, it is recommended to water daily for 4-6 weeks until the roots have firmly established. This promotes good contact between the grass and the soil, facilitating quick spread. However, after this initial establishment period, it is important to reduce the frequency of watering to 2-3 times a week. This helps avoid over-saturation and encourages deeper root growth.

Fertilization also plays a vital role in maintaining the health of St. Augustine grass and promoting its rapid spread. When initially planting the grass, it is advisable to use a starter fertilizer specifically formulated for St. Augustine grass. This type of fertilizer provides the necessary nutrients for the grass’s initial growth. As the grass develops, it is recommended to transition to a slow-release granular fertilizer. This type of fertilizer provides longer-lasting nutrition for the grass.

Following the recommended fertilization schedule is crucial to prevent over-fertilization, which can lead to thatch build-up and excessive leaf growth. For newly planted sod, it is suggested to apply half the recommended rate of fertilizer two weeks after planting, followed by a full application four weeks after planting. Additionally, it is advised to fertilize two weeks after planting and once a month throughout the first growing season. During the second season, fertilize 3-4 times, with 6-8 weeks between applications. It is important to apply the fertilizer at half the recommended rate during the summer months.

• Water daily for 4-6 weeks after planting to establish strong roots.
• Reduce watering to 2-3 times a week after the initial establishment period.
• Use a starter fertilizer formulated for St. Augustine grass at the time of planting.
• Transition to a slow-release granular fertilizer as the grass develops.
• Follow the recommended fertilization schedule to avoid over-fertilization.
• Apply half the recommended rate of fertilizer for newly planted sod two weeks after planting.
• Apply a full application of fertilizer four weeks after planting.
• Fertilize two weeks after planting and monthly throughout the first growing season.
• Fertilize 3-4 times during the second season, with 6-8 weeks between applications.
• Apply the fertilizer at half the recommended rate during the summer months.

It is crucial to ensure proper watering and fertilization for the successful establishment and growth of St. Augustine grass.

Mowing And Weed Control For St. Augustine Grass

Mowing is an essential aspect of St. Augustine grass maintenance and plays a crucial role in its spread. Regular mowing helps the grass grow laterally and encourages the development of new runners, resulting in an expanded and healthier lawn. However, proper mowing techniques should be followed to avoid damaging the grass.

Keep the St. Augustine grass at a height of 2.5 inches, avoiding cutting more than one-third of the leaves in a single mowing session. This ensures the grass maintains sufficient leaf surface area for photosynthesis and strengthens the roots for quick spread. It is also important to use sharp blades to achieve clean cuts and avoid tearing or damaging the grass blades.

Weed control is naturally maintained by St. Augustine grass when it is healthy and well-maintained. The dense, vigorous growth of this grass species helps prevent weeds from establishing themselves. However, if weed infestations do occur, the use of pre-and post-emergent herbicides specifically labeled for St. Augustine grass can effectively control them.

Thatching And Aeration To Maintain St. Augustine Grass

To keep your St. Augustine grass healthy and spread quickly, it is important to periodically perform certain maintenance tasks such as dethatching and aeration.

Thatching refers to the buildup of dead grass stems and roots that accumulate between the soil and the grass blades. Excessive thatch can impede water and nutrient absorption, prevent proper air circulation, and create an ideal environment for pests and diseases. To prevent thatch buildup, dethatching should be performed in the spring and fall using a rake or specialized dethatching equipment.

Aeration is another crucial maintenance practice for St. Augustine grass. Over time, the soil can become compacted, hindering root development and water penetration. Aeration involves creating small holes in the soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the grassroots. It can be done using a manual or mechanical aerator and should be performed in the spring or fall.

Winter Care For Dormant St. Augustine Grass

During the winter months, St. Augustine grass goes dormant and turns brown. It is important not to remove this dormant grass unless you plan to re-sod in the spring. The dormancy period serves as a protective mechanism, allowing the grass to survive periods of low temperatures and limited sunlight. Removing the dormant grass prematurely can leave your lawn vulnerable to cold damage.

To maintain your dormant St. Augustine grass during the winter, avoid excessive foot traffic and refrain from mowing or fertilizing. It is best to wait until spring when the grass begins to green up again before resuming regular maintenance practices.

St. Augustine grass is a popular choice for Texas lawns due to its ability to withstand heat, drought, and foot traffic. To ensure quick spread and optimal growth, proper soil preparation is essential, including tilling, adding compost, and leveling the ground. Choosing the appropriate planting method, such as plugs, sprigs, sod, or seeds, is crucial for establishing a healthy lawn. Adequate watering, fertilizing, and mowing practices, along with controlling weeds and performing regular maintenance tasks like dethatching and aeration, will help maintain the health and promote the quick spread of St. Augustine grass.

Note: St. Augustine grass can go dormant during the winter months. To care for dormant St. Augustine grass, avoid foot traffic, mowing, and fertilizing until spring. Proper soil preparation and choosing the right planting method are important for establishing a healthy lawn. Regular maintenance tasks like watering, fertilizing, and controlling weeds are essential. Taking care of the dormant grass during winter ensures its survival and prepares it for a vibrant spring growth.

• Avoid excessive foot traffic
• Refrain from mowing or fertilizing
• Proper soil preparation (tilling, adding compost, leveling)
• Choose the appropriate planting method (plugs, sprigs, sod, seeds)
• Adequate watering, fertilizing, and mowing
• Control weeds and perform regular maintenance tasks (dethatching, aeration)

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast will St Augustine spread?

St. Augustine, known for its rapid expansion, has the ability to spread both above and below ground. Given its natural vigor, it is expected that St. Augustine will quickly occupy and completely fill an area within a year. However, if one desires to expedite the spread even further, the use of fertilizer can be employed, effectively accelerating the growth rate of this grass.

How do I thicken my St Augustine grass?

To thicken your St. Augustine grass, focus on maintaining the optimal pH level in your soil. Aim for a range between 5.0 and 8.5 by conducting regular soil tests. This will provide a conducive environment for the grass to thrive and become thicker and fuller. Additionally, address any bare spots by adding topsoil and properly grading the yard to prevent water pooling. If you are dealing with clay soil or poor drainage, consider aerating the area or incorporating compost or pine bark through tilling to improve its texture and ability to support healthy grass growth.

What is the best fertilizer for St Augustine grass?

For optimal growth and vibrant color, consider Scotts Turf Builder Southern Triple Action. Specifically designed for St. Augustine grass, this fertilizer offers a comprehensive solution to various challenges. It not only nourishes the lawn with essential nutrients but also acts as a weed killer and prevents pest infestations. Its specialized formula also helps strengthen the root system, ensuring resilience in the face of extreme weather conditions.

What makes St Augustine grow fast?

One of the key factors that contributes to the fast growth of St. Augustine grass is proper fertilization. Providing the grass with a fertilizer high in phosphorous during the establishment phase helps promote a healthy root system, enabling it to grow quickly. However, it is important to ensure that the fertilizer used during this phase has very low or no nitrogen content. Once the grass is established, using a fertilizer with nitrogen assists in enhancing its growth rate and overall health. By following this fertilization regimen, St. Augustine grass can thrive and grow rapidly, resulting in a lush and vibrant lawn.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4