Biological Name:
Stenotaphrum secundatum (St.-Augustine-Grass)
Natural Habitat:
St.-Augustine-Grass: The St.-Augustine-grass grows in areas with warm, moist conditions, such as lawns and gardens. It is commonly found in the southern United States.
Description:
St.-Augustine-Grass also known as Stenotaphrum is a plant that is native to grassland and prairie regions of North America. It is a perennial grass that can grow up to two feet tall and it has narrow elongated leaves and small inconspicuous flowers that are typically green or yellow in color. The plant is often used as a lawn grass and it is known for its ability to tolerate high temperatures and humid conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Saint Augustine a good grass?
A: St. Augustine grass is one of the most popular lawn grasses in Florida and the Gulf states, thanks to its tolerance of heat and humidity. Its blue-green blades form a dense turf that establishes quickly and easily, and can tolerate salt, making it an excellent choice for coastal yards.
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Q: Will St. Augustine take over weeds?
A: Augustine is a very aggressive and competitive grass allowing it to compete with weeds. If allowed to, St. Augustine grass could overtake and kill most shrubs in your yard. Most weeds appear because of improper cultural practices such as mowing too closely or infrequently, improper fertilization or irrigation.
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Q: Does mowing help St. Augustine?
A: At the beginning of spring, when soil temperatures grow warmer and plants emerge from dormancy, it’s time to start mowing. To encourage the optimal growth of St. Augustine grass, we recommend setting your lawnmower to a height of between two and a half to four inches.
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Q: Is St. Augustine grass hard to maintain?
A: Augustine grass is that you don’t have to mow it much, a fact that you will especially appreciate if you crave low maintenance. However, to achieve a lush lawn of St. Augustine grass, there is some work involved. You will have to keep up with the required irrigation and fertilization.
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Q: Will St. Augustine grass spread on its own?
A: St. Augustine grass spreads both by rhizomes and stolons, meaning that it sends out runners both above and below ground. It’s normally a very aggressive spreader – in fact, most of the time I hear questions about how to stop it!
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Q: What does Epsom salt do to St. Augustine grass?
A: Epsom salt is an organic compound that is full of beneficial minerals for lawns. Iron in Epsom salt, for example, helps grasses to grow healthy and strong. Meanwhile, the magnesium in Epsom salt balances the PH level in your grasses so that it doesn’t become too acidic.
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Q: Does St. Augustine stay green all year?
A: St Augustine grass will go dormant when the soil temperatures fall below 55 degrees. If the soil remains warmer than 60 degrees all year, the grass will stay green. It will, however, slow in growth as the soil drops in temperature. One of the disadvantages of St Augustine grass is its poor wear tolerance.
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Q: What is the best thing to put on St. Augustine grass?
A: The best fertilizer for St Augustine grass is any fertilizer that has one pound of nitrogen for every 1,000 square feet of sod. Fertilizing every two months is ideal unless you apply slow release fertilizer that can be spread every 10 weeks.
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Q: Which grass is better Bermuda or St. Augustine?
A: Bermuda grass does well in zones 7, 8, 9 and 10, while St. Augustine grass really only performs well in zones 8 through 10. So, if you live along the Gulf Coast or warm coastal areas of the country, St. Augustine grass is a better choice.
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Q: Does St. Augustine grass spread fast?
A: This grass grows rapidly when given appropriate water and space. Once St. Augustine is planted and has started to grow, it will take about 7 to 14 days for it to begin to spread. You can expect full coverage of the desired area within one growing season, with proper spacing of plugs or sod.
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Q: What type of St. Augustine grass is best?
A: Sapphire St. Augustine Grass – With the fastest lateral growth, Sapphire is the most desirable because of its blue-green color. Bitter-Blue St. Augustine Grass – Bitter-blue is easily identified by its dark-blue-green hue and dense growth pattern with fine leaf texture.
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Q: How do you spread St. Augustine grass?
A: To get St. Augustine grass to spread faster, plant St. Augustine during summer and make sure you lay it down the right type of soil – preferably a well-aerated soil type. Apply phosphorus fertilizer and keep a good watering schedule to help with quicker root and foliage development.
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Q: What are the pros and cons of St. Augustine grass?
A: ProsConsThrives in mixed, well-drained soilOnly handles moderate trafficSurvives extreme heatLoses color in cool weatherSalt tolerantStunted by cold and wet conditionsGrows well in shadeHigh maintenance
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Q: Is St. Augustine invasive?
A: invasive species are capable of causing extinctions of native plants and animals, reducing biodiversity, competing with native organisms for limited resources, and altering habitats.†Therefore, St. Augustine grass should be on Florida’s Exotic Pest Plant Council Invasive Plant list.
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Q: Is St. Augustine grass good for dogs?
A: Augustine grass is a popular choice for many homeowners, but you may be wondering if it is a good option for your four-legged friend. The answer is yes! St. Augustine grass is safe for dogs and other pets to walk on and play in.
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Q: Does St. Augustine grass like sun or shade?
A: Augustine is a hardy, low-maintenance variety with an outstanding emerald green color. It performs well in full sun, yet also thrives in shaded areas with three to four hours of direct daily sunlight.
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Q: What is the best month to plant St. Augustine grass?
A: St. Augustine grass thrives in heat, so plant your sod or plugs in late spring or summer. Choose a time after the last frost of winter and at least three months before the first frost of fall.
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Q: Does St. Augustine grass spread quickly?
A: This grass grows rapidly when given appropriate water and space. Once St. Augustine is planted and has started to grow, it will take about 7 to 14 days for it to begin to spread. You can expect full coverage of the desired area within one growing season, with proper spacing of plugs or sod.
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Q: How do you get St. Augustine grass to spread?
A: To get St. Augustine grass to spread faster, plant St. Augustine during summer and make sure you lay it down the right type of soil – preferably a well-aerated soil type. Apply phosphorus fertilizer and keep a good watering schedule to help with quicker root and foliage development.
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Q: Can I just put St. Augustine over my existing grass?
A: You can’t simply lay sod on top of grass without doing proper preparation. “All sod must make soil contact to root,†she points out. “Therefore, the existing grass / lawn must be extremely sparse or you will have to bring in dirt and put it on top before laying the new sod.
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Q: How do I make my St. Augustine grass thicker and greener?
A: Preparation. It is best to purchase St. … Irrigation. This is especially important after installing sod for the first time. … Mowing. These tips are quite simple: leave no less than two thirds of its length intact, mow with sharp blades, and don’t bag the trimmings. … Fertilizing. … Weeding.
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