St. Augustinegrass

St. Augustinegrass is a warm season grass of tropical origin which does best in sun or partial shade conditions in the southern coastal plain, Florida, and the California Central Valley. It grows vigorously during the warm (80-95 degree) months of spring, summer and early fall. Like other warm season grasses it goes dormant and turns brown in the winter.

Growth habit

St. Augustinegrass has large flat stems and broad coarse leaves somewhat similar to centipedegrass. With attractive blue-green color, it spreads by stolons (above ground lateral shoots) and forms a deep, dense turf.

Adaptation

St. Augustinegrass is best adapted to full sun. It is very susceptible to winter injury and cannot be grown as far north as bermudagrass and zoysiagrass. St. Augustinegrass is shade tolerant and is superior to zoysiagrass in the shade in the warmest regions of the south.

Disease

St. Augustinegrass can be devastated by insects and disease. Perhaps the greatest disadvantage of this grass is its sensitivity to chinch bugs. Frequent insecticide applications can be required to control the insect. It is also susceptible to SADV (St. Augustine Decline Virus). Brown patch and gray leaf spot are also problems.

Chinch bug symptoms are the rapid wilting and turning brown of leaves. Yellow spots are sometimes also associated with chinch bugs. Brown patch can produce circular brown areas up to several feet in diameter.

Culture

Since it is fast growing, St. Augustinegrass requires frequent mowing during the growing period. Do not apply more than 4 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. in one year. At high rates of fertilization and irrigation, thatch buildup may be a problem, encouraging disease and insect problems.

St. Augustinegrass is sensitive to some pre-emergent herbicides such as 2,4-D and MSMA. Read and follow the label instructions carefully.