St. Augustine grass (also known as Stenotaphrum secundatum) is a warm-season grass species native to the coastal areas of the southeastern United States. It is widely grown for lawns and turf in U. S.
Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 to 10. It tolerates heat and humidity well and prefers moist, fertile soils. St. Augustine grass can be established either vegetatively by sprigs or plugs, or it can be seeded.
It is a coarse-textured grass with wide blades and a dense growth habit. Its dark green color and relatively low maintenance requirements make it a popular choice for home lawns. St. Augustine grass is relatively pest-resistant and it can also tolerate some shade.
It will tolerate some salt, but overall it does not grow well in salty or alkaline soils.
Are there different types of St. Augustine?
Yes, there are different types of St. Augustine grass. The most commonly available variety is St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum). This type of St. Augustine is a warm-season, coarse-textured turfgrass with a medium to dark green color and a wide, coarse leaf blade. St.
Augustinegrass works well in areas that receive full sun and is adapted to a wide range of soils, including salt-tolerant varieties.
St. Augustinegrass is popular in warmer climates due to its ability to tolerate high temperatures and its tendency to remain green during drought. This grass does require frequent watering and mowing to keep it looking its best.
It is also vulnerable to brown patch and chinch bugs, so regular monitoring and treatments are important to keep it healthy.
Another type of St. Augustinegrass is Seville St. Augustine. This variety is similar to common St. Augustine, but is more compact, finer-textured, and has a deeper blue-green color. Seville St. Augustine is also more salt tolerant and can tolerate light shade, making it an ideal choice for coastal areas and shady spots in the landscape.
Finally, there is the Dwarf St. Augustine. This type is dwarf in size, typically growing no more than six inches in height. It has a light green color, a fine blade, and is more drought tolerant and cold tolerant than other varieties of St. Augustine.
Dwarf St. Augustine is considered a bit more high maintenance than other types, as it requires regular mowing and fertilizer applications to remain healthy.
Is all St. Augustine grass the same?
No, not all St. Augustine grass is the same. Its diversity lies in characteristics such as growth rate, shade tolerance, and cold tolerance. For example, some St. Augustine grass is fast-growing, while others are slow-growing.
Some types tolerate shade very well, while others suffer from lack of sunlight. When it comes to cold tolerance, some types of St. Augustine grass cannot survive temperatures as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit, while others are known for their colder-weather hardiness.
Depending on the additional features desired, such as drought tolerance or disease resistance, homeowners may choose from several varieties of St. Augustine grass. In addition, St. Augustine grass is also divided into two categories: Floratam and Raleigh.
Floratam is the most popular variety, but Raleigh is known for its cold hardiness, making it better suited for colder climates. Ultimately, there are a variety of types of St. Augustine grass, each with an ideal climate and purpose, so homeowners will want to do research to find the right type for their needs.
What is a good grass to mix with St. Augustine?
When looking to mix a grass with St. Augustine, there are several options that you may want to consider. Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp. ) is one of the most popular choices, as it is considered a warm season grass and has a high tolerance to heat and drought.
It is considered an excellent choice for areas with moderately high foot traffic, making it an ideal choice for areas around a home or where children are playing. Its dense grass structure also makes it an excellent choice for areas where there is a lot of shade, and is better at crowding out unwanted weeds than its counterpart.
For areas that experience more frequent periods of drought, bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) is also a great option to mix with St. Augustine. It is a warm season grass, is drought-tolerant, and is ideal for areas with low to moderate foot traffic.
It is very low maintenance and can be established from both sprigs or seed, making it an excellent choice for the home-owner who wants to mix grasses in their lawn.
Though a less recommended option, centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides) may be considered in certain areas as it is less susceptible to certain turf diseases than other warm season grasses. This grass is best suited for areas of low to moderate foot traffic, and has a medium to low maintenance habit.
It is a good option for areas that experience hot and dry environmental conditions, as it is highly tolerant of drought.
When it comes to mixing grasses, it is important to choose a grass that is best suited for the environment, climate, and activity level. Each grass has its own benefits and drawbacks, and choosing the right mix is the key to creating a lush, healthy lawn.
How do I make my St. Augustine grass thicker?
To make your St. Augustine grass thicker, you will want to ensure the health of your current grass and undertake some specific lawn care activities. First, perform a soil test to determine the health of the soil.
You may need to add nutrients and take steps to reduce compaction. Once the soil is in good condition, fertilize your lawn appropriate for your grass and region. Additionally, water your lawn deeply and infrequently, and make sure to water in the morning when possible.
Mow your lawn regularly, removing no more than one-third of the grass blade when you mow. Finally, it is important to overseed your lawn each spring, using a seed designed for St. Augustine. Over time, these steps will lead to a thicker St.
Augustine lawn.
What is the difference between Raleigh and Palmetto St. Augustine?
The primary difference between Raleigh and Palmetto St. Augustine is their maintenance requirements and appearance. Raleigh grass is a cool-season grass, meaning it needs regular maintenance throughout the year to keep its blue-green hue and has a slightly coarser texture compared to Palmetto St. Augustine.
On the other hand, Palmetto St. Augustine is a warm-season grass with a finer texture, and it typically only needs to be mowed and watered in the summer months. It has a darker green color, and it can also tolerate partial shade and droughts better.
Additionally, Raleigh grass is more susceptible to insects and diseases compared to Palmetto St. Augustine. Overall, it depends on the individual’s needs and environment since both grasses have their own pros and cons.
Does St. Augustine grass spread quickly?
St. Augustine grass is a popular choice for lawns in the south due to its resistance to heat, salt, and drought. It does spread by sending out stolons or runners on the surface of the soil. However, this type of grass does not spread quickly in comparison to other turf types like Bermudagrass which can spread more rapidly.
It is considered to be one of the slower spreading grasses. For this reason, St. Augustine grass is usually not used in large open areas, as it takes more time and labor to cover a large area with this turfgrass.
However, in smaller areas, St. Augustine grass can provide an attractive lawn that is resistant to wear and climate conditions in the south. The slow spreading nature also eliminates the chances of St.
Augustine grass invading surrounding lawns or areas.
How much shade can St. Augustine tolerate?
St. Augustine grass can tolerate periods of shade, especially if it is filtered, but it does best in full sun and requires at least 8 hours for optimal growth and color. If St. Augustine grass is grown in shade, it will be much more susceptible to damage from pests and diseases and will not look as healthy and lush as it would in full sun.
In shade, St. Augustine grass tends to grow and spread more slowly, and is more likely to develop disease problems like large patch and brown patch, both of which can be hard to control. To achieve best results with St.
Augustine in shaded areas, fertilize and water it regularly and apply a specialized shade-tolerant grass seed or turfgrasses such as shade-tolerant centipede and zoysia grasses. When establishing St Augustine in shaded areas, select grass with a shade-tolerant variety.
If the shaded area is especially dark, consider that no grass may tolerate it and consider ground covers as an alternative.
What is the grass for total shade?
Grass for total shade can refer to grasses that are specifically suited to survive in very low light environments. These grasses typically include species of the genera Agrostis, Festuca, Poa, and Briza.
These grasses are adapted to thrive even when exposed to only one to three hours of sunlight a day, as well as shade from trees, buildings, and other structures. They require very little in the way of fertilization or pesticides, and have a relatively quick establishment time.
Due to their ability to survive in tough conditions, these grasses are often used on golf courses, and in parks, playgrounds, and other recreational spaces. Furthermore, the grasses featured in the genera Agrostis, Festuca, Poa, and Briza are also excellent erosion control solutions and are great for areas susceptible to flooding.
How do you grow grass in heavy shades?
Growing grass in heavy shade can be challenging, as most lawn grasses favor full sun or only light shade. However, there are a few species of grass that grow well in heavy shade.
The first step in growing grass in heavy shade is to identify the type of grass that will best suit the area. Specifically, choose a grass species with a low light requirement, such as fine fescue, perennial ryegrass, or zoysia grass.
Planting a combination of several grass types will increase your chances of success in the shade, so select different species that are suited to low light conditions.
Once the grass seed is selected, prepare the soil. Till and rake the area to remove any large stones or debris, and make sure the soil is loose, well-draining, and fertile. Mixing in some organic matter like compost or manure is a great idea as it will help provide essential nutrition to the grass.
Once the soil is prepared, spread the seed evenly across the area. Water the heavy shade lawn several times a day in short bursts until the seedlings are established. The soil should stay moist but not overly wet.
After the seedlings are established, reduce the watering schedule to a few times a week.
Additionally, the area should be fertilized every few months with a slow-release fertilizer. Feeding the grass will help it fight off fungus, pests, and weeds. If the grass is struggling despite being properly watered and fertilized, you may also want to consider applying a fungicide to protect it from disease.
Finally, stay conscientious when it comes to mowing, edging, and trimming the heavy shade grass. Never cut more than a third of the grass blades’ length, and avoid mowing the grass too often. And if you notice weeds or other pests, immediately treat the area to keep the grass healthy.
With adequate care and attention, grass can be grown in heavy shade areas. Choose the right grass species, prepare the soil, water, fertilize, and mow properly, and you’ll have a thriving lawn in no time.
What kind of grass grows under trees?
As different types of grass may thrive in different environments. Generally, however, grasses that are grown under tree canopies, especially those with shallow roots, should be able to handle some shade and are usually a blend of warm-season and cool-season grasses.
Some of the more popular grasses found growing under trees include zoysia, Bermuda, centipede, St. Augustine and tall fescue. Each of these grasses has its own unique qualities and different levels of tolerability to different types of soil, climate and sunlight.
When planting grasses under trees, it is important to select a grass that is adapted to the specific environment that the tree can provide. This includes considering factors such as soil type, the amount of sunlight the area receives, and the amount of shade provided by the tree.
Always take into account the potential competition between the grass and the trees’ roots, as well as providing proper care and maintenance.
When should you seed your lawn with shade?
The best time to seed your lawn with shade is in the fall. This is because soil temperatures are still warm enough for good seed germination, but not too warm as to damage the delicate new grass seedlings.
Early fall is also the best time because it gives your grass seed a head start on establishing itself before the cold winter months arrive. Additionally, late fall and winter rains can help the new grass seed grow and become established.
When selecting your grass seed, be sure to choose grass seed that is specially designed for shade. This type of grass seed will help to ensure your grass will grow despite the reduced sunlight that shade provides.
Additionally, adding a layer of mulch or compost before seeding will help keep moisture in and allow the new grass seed to develop healthy roots. Once the new grass is established, be sure to water it frequently, especially on hot days.
Finally, fertilize in the spring and late summer to maintain a healthy shade lawn.
Is St Augustine or Zoysia better?
The answer to this question will likely depend on several personal factors, such as climate, climate preferences and the desired landscape appearance.
St Augustine grass is a popular sod choice due to its ability to withstand a variety of conditions, from extreme heat to moderate saltwater exposure. It also has a premium look, with a deep green color and a soft texture that can stay dense and comfortable even in high traffic areas.
The downside of St Augustine is that it’s not very drought tolerant and can require a lot of water and fertilization to maintain its prime appearance.
On the other hand, Zoysia grass is much more drought tolerant and requires little to no fertilization, making it ideal for climates that don’t get much rain or where resources are limited. Zoysia is more aggressive than St Augustine and can be more difficult to establish, but it’s very tolerant of extreme heat, saltwater exposure and heavy traffic.
While it won’t have the deep green color of St Augustine, it will create a tightly woven, strong, uniform turf that is generally low maintenance.
Ultimately, which grass is better for you will depend on several personal factors, such as climate, climate preferences and the desired landscape appearance. Evaluate your specific needs and preferences and consult a professional to decide which grass is best for you.
What type of sod is for shady areas?
For shady areas, it is best to use a shade-tolerant turfgrass such as tall fescue, fine fescue, zoysia grass, St. Augustine, or centipede grass. While these grasses can tolerate some shade, they will typically perform better when combined with areas of direct sun exposure.
Examples are a lawn that is surrounded by trees or areas with limited sun exposure. These grasses are ideal for shady areas because they are adapted to lower light levels and can survive in conditions with limited sun exposure.
It is also important to consider soil conditions, nutrient availability, and other environmental factors when selecting sod for shady areas. Well-drained, fertile soils with lots of organic matter will provide a more hospitable environment for the turfgrass.
Additionally, if the soil is too acidic or alkaline, this will affect the grass’s ability to grow and thrive in shaded areas. Lastly, be sure to irrigate and fertilize accordingly to ensure optimal performance of the grass.
Is Kentucky bluegrass good for shade?
Kentucky bluegrass can be a great choice for shade—especially if sloping areas or hillsides of your landscape get plenty of morning sun. Kentucky bluegrass is a cool season grass that prefers moist conditions and performs best in areas that get 3 to 8 hours of direct sun each day.
It’s one of the most versatile lawn grasses available and it’s known for forming a dense, plush lawn as well as having great heat and drought tolerance. Kentucky bluegrass will grow in heavier soils and can establish quickly.
However, in areas with heavy shade or less than 3 hours of direct sunlight, Kentucky bluegrass may struggle. If you have shady spots in your lawn, consider adding a different grass variety to provide extra cover.
Or, you can opt for a shade-tolerant ground cover or perennial, such as pachysandra or mondo grass, that can thrive in low light conditions.
