St. Augustine Grass Care – Summer 2011

St. Augustine Grass – Care and Maintenance – Summer 2011

Video Notes:

Step 1 – Fertilization.  If you didn’t fertilize in the Spring, you can apply a fertilizer with a 1-1 ration of nitrogen to potassium…like a 15-0-15.  The middle number is phosphorus and it can usually be zero.  If you did fertilize in the Spring, you can wait till late Summer or early Fall to do so again.  A 2-0-1 ratio fertilizer is also ok for St. Augustines….like a 16-0-8.

Step 2 – Irrigation.  Don’t overwater in the hot months.  St. Augustines need about an inch of water per week either from in-ground irrigation or natural rainfall.  Water in the early morning hours for best results.  Too much water can lead to fungus outbreaks, like Grey Leaf Spot.

Step 3 – Mowing.  You will likely mow more often in the Summer.  Just make sure to not remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade when mowing.  Mowing too low can stress the grass and it will turn brown.  If you miss a mowing, it might take multiple mowings to get the grass back to the height you like.  Wait about 3-5 days between each mowing.

Watch out for Chinch Bugs.  If you find them in you yard, use an insecticide with bifenthrin or carbaryl to get rid of the infestation.