St. Augustinegrass is one of the most widely used warm-season grasses in the southern United States, especially popular in coastal areas and tropical climates. Its thick, comfortable texture and ability to thrive in humid climates make this grass type a Louisiana favorite. While it is a top choice for many, St. Augustinegrass does have some unique care requirements that lawn enthusiasts should be aware of.
Join us as we cover the basics about St. Augustinegrass to help you determine whether it is the right fit for your lawn!
St. Augustinegrass stands out with its broad, flat blades that form a thick, dense turf. The blades are coarser than those of Bermuda or Zoysia, giving the grass a more textured appearance. Its color typically ranges from medium to dark green, with some varieties exhibiting a bluish-green hue when well-maintained. This bold color and thick density contribute to St. Augustinegrass’ reputation for creating a full, tropical-looking lawn.
The leaves grow in a stolon-driven pattern with horizontal runners spread across the soil, allowing the grass to fill in bare spots and establish quickly. This stolon growth gives St. Augustinegrass an edge when it comes to creating dense coverage over large areas. However, it also makes the grass prone to thatch buildup over time, which can suffocate the lawn if not managed properly.
St. Augustinegrass is particularly soft underfoot, making it a comfortable surface for families and pets to enjoy. However, its thicker blades may feel less delicate than finer-textured grasses like Zoysiagrass or Kentucky bluegrass. It grows rapidly in warm temperatures and slows down significantly as temperatures drop, eventually turning brown in winter if the weather gets too cold.
Key Characteristics:
St. Augustinegrass has several standout qualities that make it a preferred choice in warm, humid climates. One of its most impressive traits is its ability to tolerate shade, which is not commonly found among warm-season grasses. While most warm-season varieties require full sun to thrive, St. Augustinegrass can grow in areas with 4-6 hours of sunlight per day, making it suitable for lawns with trees, fences, or partial building shade.
Heat tolerance is another major benefit. St. Augustinegrass holds up remarkably well in high temperatures and humid conditions, making it ideal for regions along the Gulf Coast, Florida, and the Deep South. It’s also salt-tolerant, making it a top choice for coastal properties where ocean spray or salty soil might cause other grasses to struggle.
While St. Augustinegrass can endure moderate droughts, it’s worth noting that it prefers consistent moisture. It will go dormant and turn brown if left without water for too long but can recover with proper irrigation. However, prolonged droughts can stress the grass, making it more vulnerable to pests and disease, so regular watering is key.
Main Benefits:
St. Augustinegrass follows a warm-season growth cycle, meaning it thrives in hot weather and goes dormant during cold seasons. Its growth stages and maintenance needs shift with the changing seasons, so understanding its life cycle helps ensure you’re giving your lawn what it needs year-round.
Spring (March to May):
As soil temperatures rise above 55°F, St. Augustinegrass breaks dormancy. Stolons awaken, pushing out new shoots and creating fresh blades. Roots extend deeper into the soil, and the grass thickens quickly, filling in bare spots as each stolon node sprouts new growth.
Summer (May to September):
With heat and sunlight at their peak, St. Augustinegrass grows vigorously. Stolons spread rapidly, producing daughter plants that help the grass fill out and self-repair. The turf becomes thick and dense, shading the soil and crowding out weeds. Energy stores build up in the roots, preparing the grass for the slower seasons ahead.
Fall (October to November):
As temperatures cool, growth slows. St. Augustinegrass shifts its focus underground, strengthening roots while stolons settle and anchor firmly. Above ground, blades lose some vibrancy, but the grass continues reinforcing its structure for winter dormancy.
Winter (December to February):
When temperatures drop below 50°F, St. Augustinegrass goes dormant. The blades turn brown, and stolon activity stops. The roots and stolons remain alive beneath the surface, conserving energy for spring’s resurgence. In warmer coastal regions, the grass may stay partially green through the winter.
While St. Augustinegrass is a great option for many homeowners, it does have some drawbacks. One of the biggest concerns is its relatively high water requirement. Unlike drought-resistant grasses like Bermudagrass or Zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass needs consistent moisture to stay healthy, which may not make it the best choice for areas with frequent water restrictions.
St. Augustinegrass is not as cold-tolerant as some other warm-season grasses. Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can cause damage, leading to thinning or patchy areas in the lawn. Another potential drawback is its susceptibility to pests and diseases, particularly chinch bugs, which can cause significant damage if not managed properly.
Potential Drawbacks:
Proper maintenance is essential for keeping a St. Augustinegrass lawn looking its best. While it is relatively easy to care for compared to some other warm-season grasses, it does require specific maintenance practices to stay thick and healthy throughout the year.
If you live in Louisiana and want to bring your St. Augustinegrass lawn to life, Brothers Lawn Service is here to help! Call us today to learn more about our services or to establish a brand new St. Augustinegrass lawn on your property.
If you are looking for a reliable lawn care company in Lafayette & Baton Rouge, then look no further. Brothers Lawn Service & Landscaping is your full-service lawn care expert and we promise a 100% satisfaction guaranteed! We ensure the quality of our service by providing personal attention to each and every lawn.