St. Augustine lawn grass is a fairly drought-resistant variety that performs well when planted in warm-weather regions. It is not recommended for those who live in areas where seasonal temperatures are likely to plunge to 10 degrees Fahrenheit or lower for any significant length of time. The following are four more tips for maintaining an attractive St. Augustine lawn.
Don't Mow Too Low
St. Augustine grass spreads by above-ground stolons, which means that mowing too low can damage the individual plants to a significant extent. Once established, you should cut St. Augustine grass to a height of two to three inches. St. Augustine grass that's grown in the shade should be kept at three inches tall. You can also damage the grass by using a mower blade that is too dull, so make sure that yours is good and sharp.
Watch Out for Thatch
Because St. Augustine grass grows quickly, it's prone to developing a condition known as thatch. Thatch occurs when the buildup of organic debris surpasses the natural decomposition process and can result in a variety of adverse conditions. You can prevent thatch from developing by adhering to a regular mowing schedule.
Be Aware of Chinch Bugs
Although St. Augustine grass isn't bothered by many insect pests, it's vulnerable to damage by chinch bugs. Chinch bugs suck sap from grass blades and cause brown, dying patches of lawn. Keeping your lawn relatively free of thatch creates an environment in which chinch bugs do not thrive. You can also help keep chinch bugs in check by thoroughly watering your lawn in hot, dry weather. Certain chemicals treatments, such as those containing trichlorfon, bifenthrin or carbaryl, are available from home and garden retailers for the purpose of controlling chinch bug populations. However, applying chemicals to grass that is under stress is not recommended, so check with your lawn care professional if chinch bugs or other pests have gotten out of control.
Limit Heavy Traffic
St. Augustine grass can withstand a moderate amount of traffic, so don't be afraid to walk and play on it. However, it's probably not the best choice for lawn grass if you routinely host touch football games in your yard, and may not stand up well if you've got big dogs that spend the majority of their time outdoors. Creating designated pathways through your lawn using materials such as concrete, gravel, brick, or cobblestone for those areas of your yard where foot traffic is routine.
For more information on planting and maintaining your St. Augustine grass, contact a place like California Sod Center.
