Thickening St. Augustine grass is common for many homeowners in the southern United States. There are many reasons for wanting to thicken grass, including improving the look of your lawn, preventing erosion, or simply providing a better place for your pets to play.
Whatever your reason, you can follow a few simple steps to grow St. Augustine grass.
The St. Augustine Grass
If you live in the southern United States, chances are you have some experience with St. Augustine grass. This type of grass is common in many yards and gardens because it is very hardy and can tolerate various conditions.
St. Augustine grass is a warm-season turfgrass common in the Gulf Coast region, from Florida to Texas. The grass comes from Saint Augustine, Florida, first introduced in the early 1800s. Since the 1800s, it has been widely planted in the South and has become one of the most popular turfgrasses in the region.
Characteristic Of St. Augustine Grass
St. Augustine grass is a type of turfgrass popular for its attractive blue-green color and dense growth. It is a summer grass that grows best in temperatures between 75 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. It grows best in the coastal regions of the southeastern United States, where it is commonly used for pastures, ranches, and home lawns.
St. Augustine grass has large flat stems and broad, coarse leaves similar to centipede grass. It spreads by stolons or above-ground runners and forms a deep, dense turf. Its ability to crowd out weeds and other grasses make it a low-maintenance option for lawns.
However, St. Augustine grass is susceptible to damage from cold weather and has poor shade tolerance. For areas with cool winters or shady conditions, it’s not recommended. The University of Florida has something more for you to learn about this grass, click to learn more!
Growth of St. Augustine Grass
Plugs are often used to start a new St. Augustine lawn, providing a quick way to fill bare patches of ground. Once the plugs are in place, it will take about 7-14 days for them to start spreading and filling in the empty spaces.
However, it takes time for the roots to grow enough to hold the plugs firmly in place, so newly installed plugs may need to be watered frequently during the first few weeks. Creating a lush, green lawn with St. Augustine grass is possible with patience and proper care.
The Top 10 Ways to Thicken Your St. Augustine Grass
We’ll go over the top seven ways to thicken your St. Augustine grass below:
Fertilize regularly
Fertilization of your lawn is one of the best ways to promote growth and make your grass thicker.
For best results, use a fertilizer specifically designed for St. Augustine grass. Ensure following the directions on the package and apply the fertilizer at the recommended rate. Applying excessive fertilizer can damage your grass and even kill it.
Water deeply and less often.
Deep watering encourages deep root growth, which results in a thicker, healthier lawn. Watering your lawn early in the morning is best, so the grass has time to dry out before nightfall. This will help prevent fungal diseases that thrive in wet conditions.
Mow high
Mowing your lawn too short can damage the grass and make it more susceptible to disease. When cutting St. Augustine grass, aim for 2-3 inches. This allows the grass to develop a deep root system, making it more drought-tolerant and less likely to suffer from the disease.
Remove Thatch
The Thatch is a layer of dead grass and organic matter that accumulates on the soil surface. If left unchecked, Thatch can become matted and dense, preventing water and nutrients from reaching the roots of the grass.
To remove Thatch, use a garden rake or thatching rake to loosen and remove the buildup. Also, If your grass is dying, identify the issues, and regrow them using a simple procedure by reading here.
Aerate the soil
Aerating your lawn helps improve drainage and allows water and nutrients to reach the roots of the grass. It also reduces compaction, which can damage the roots of the grass. For good results, aerate the lawn in the spring or fall.
Overseed your lawn
Overseeding is a great way to thicken up your lawn. Be sure to use a grass seed specifically designed for St. Augustine grass. To overseed your lawn, spread the seed over the surface of the soil and water as usual.
Resod the lawn
Your lawn is often in bad shape; you may need to resod it. This is more expensive, but it can give you a thick, healthy lawn in no time. Be sure to use St. Augustine grass sod for best results. Also, you can make it look greener; read here about it.
Soil Testing
Getting your soil tested is always a good idea, especially if you’re unsure what type of grass you have. A soil test tells the pH of your soil and what nutrients it lacks. This information is important because it can help you choose the right fertilizer for your lawn.
Follow a lawn care schedule.
Following a regular lawn care schedule is the best way to thicken your St. Augustine grass. This includes fertilizing, watering, mowing, and aerating regularly. Following a schedule will ensure that your grass has everything it needs to thrive.
Hire a professional
If you’re unsure how to thicken your St. Augustine grass or don’t have the time to don’t do it yourself, hire a professional lawn care company. A professional law expert can diagnose any problems with your lawn and recommend the best course of action. They can also perform all the necessary tasks to thicken your grass, such as fertilizing, watering, and aerating.
Maintaining The Growth of St. Augustine Grass
Maintaining St. Augustine grass is not as difficult as it may seem. This type of grass usually grows in moist and shady areas, so ensure that you provide these conditions if your lawn looks its best. Follow all these steps to achieve the perfect St. Augustine grass lawn. It will take time, but it will be worth it when you do this.