Pros and Cons of St. Augustine grass (2024)

St. Augustine grass, also known as buffalo turf, is a popular warm-season grass type that is commonly grown in humid and coastal regions. It is often chosen for its ability to withstand heat and drought conditions, as well as its thick, lush appearance.

Like any grass type, however, St. Augustine grass has its pros and cons. In this article, we will take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of St. Augustine grass.

Pros and Cons of St. Augustine grass (1)

Pros of St. Augustine Grass

Heat Tolerance
St. Augustine grass tolerates high temperatures and thrives in warm climates. It is able to survive high levels of heat, making it an excellent choice for homeowners in tropical and subtropical regions.

Drought Resistance
This grass type is also known for its ability to withstand drought conditions. It has a deep root system that can reach water reserves deep into the soil. This means that St. Augustine grass will survive long periods without regular irrigation.

Lush Appearance
St. Augustine grass has a dense, thick appearance that can give landscapes a beautiful and lush appearance. Its compressed growth habit means that it will quickly fill in bare areas and create a uniform surface.

Easy to Maintain
Once St. Augustine grass is established, it requires minimal maintenance compared to other grass types. It is relatively low-maintenance and needs only occasional fertilization and irrigation.

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Cons of St. Augustine Grass

Poor Tolerance to Cold Weather
St. Augustine grass is not suitable for areas with cold winters, as it is vulnerable to frost and cold damage. In areas where freezing temperatures occur regularly, it may be necessary to overseed with a more winter-hardy grass type.

Susceptible to Disease and Insects
St. Augustine grass is susceptible to a range of diseases and insects, including chinch bugs and brown patch. Additionally, this grass type is prone to thatch buildup, which creates a breeding ground for pests and diseases.

High Water Needs during Establishment
When first planted, St. Augustine grass requires frequent watering to establish a deep root system. This can be a drawback in areas with high water costs or conservation restrictions.

Limited Shade Tolerance
St. Augustine grass requires full sun or partial shade to thrive. It does not grow well in areas with heavy shade or where trees can block sunlight, making it less suitable for shaded landscapes and residential properties with significant tree cover.

Tips for Maintaining St. Augustine Grass

Pros and Cons of St. Augustine grass (2)

Maintaining a beautiful and healthy lawn requires regular care and attention, and St. Augustine grass is no exception. This lush and vibrant grass type thrives in warm climates and will benefit from specific maintenance practices.

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Here are some essential tips for maintaining St. Augustine grass: First, water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth and drought resistance.

Second, mow your lawn at a higher setting to promote thicker growth and shade out weeds. Additionally, it is crucial to fertilize regularly, using a slow-release fertilizer specifically formulated for St. Augustine grass.

Lastly, keep an eye out for common pests and diseases that can affect St. Augustine grass, such as chinch bugs and brown patch, and take prompt action if any issues arise. If you need help with weed control, check out our weed control service page.

Learn more about maintaining St. Augustine turf by reading this pdf published by Texas A&M University.

Final Thoughts

St. Augustine grass is a popular grass type that offers many benefits, such as heat and drought tolerance and lush appearance. However, it also has some drawbacks, including susceptibility to disease and insects, water needs during establishment, and limited shade tolerance.

Before choosing St. Augustine grass, it is essential to weigh both the pros and cons and consider factors such as local climate, water access, and lawn maintenance preferences. By selecting the right grass type for your property, you will have a healthy, vibrant lawn.

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Pros and Cons of St. Augustine grass (2024)

FAQs

Pros and Cons of St. Augustine grass? ›

St. Augustine grass is a popular grass type that offers many benefits, such as heat and drought tolerance and lush appearance. However, it also has some drawbacks, including susceptibility to disease and insects, water needs during establishment, and limited shade tolerance.

What is the downside of St. Augustine grass? ›

Disadvantages: Not hardy to cold weather so it is restricted to areas with mild winters. Vulnerable to drought and requires supplemental irrigation. Needs extra fertilization throughout the first three months - not your typical set it and forget it type of sod.

What is the issue with St. Augustine grass? ›

The most common diseases observed on St. Augustinegrass are gray leaf spot (Pyricularia grisea), large patch (Rhizoctonia solani), and take-all root rot (Gaeumannomyces graminis var. graminis), while the most common insect pests are chinch bugs and white grubs. Disease and insect damage can often look very similar.

Is St. Augustine high maintenance? ›

St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) is a high-maintenance, warm-season turf grass growing in lawns across the southern U.S. Popular in Texas and Florida, this perennial is recognizable by its dense carpet-like sod, broadleaf blades, and rich green color.

Which is better, bermuda or St. Augustine grass? ›

The choice between St Augustine vs Bermuda grass sod depends on your specific needs and environmental conditions. St Augustine is ideal for shaded, humid areas but requires more maintenance. Bermuda, on the other hand, is perfect for sunny, drought-prone areas and is easier to maintain in terms of watering needs.

What is best alternative from St. Augustine grass? ›

Zoysia Grass – Zoysia is similar in thickness to St. Augustine but is more drought-resistant. It can handle partial shade, and can stand up to the heavy traffic of an active family.

Will St. Augustine grass choke out weeds? ›

St Augustine on the other hand, is a turf that is best viewed from afar. It's thick and beautiful and chokes out weeds with thick stolons that can weave together making a big ole mattress of beautiful turf.

Why do people like St. Augustine grass? ›

St. Augustine, a warm-season grass, thrives in hot climates with seasides and can withstand periods of droughts better than other grass species. Learn more about this popular species!

What is the problem with St Augustine? ›

The Augustinian theodicy is a response to the evidential problem of evil, which raises the concern that if God is omnipotent and omnibenevolent, there should be no evil in the world. Evidence of evil can call into question God's nature or his existence – he is either not omnipotent, not benevolent, or does not exist.

Is St. Augustine worth it? ›

As the USA's oldest city, St. Augustine is a vacation destination that draws visitors from all over the world. Steeped in history, natural beauty and a wealth of interesting sites and attractions, the Ancient City offers an unforgettable experience to people of all ages.

Which grass is better, zoysia or St. Augustine? ›

St. Augustines only spread through the above-the-ground runners, stolons. They are usually better than zoysias at choking out weeds for this reason. Since zoysias grow with both methods, they usually rank higher in wear tolerance, injury recovery and drought tolerance.

Should you water St. Augustine grass every day? ›

Only water one to two times a week, depending on the rain in your area, and only mow as needed. In winter, St Augustine grass reaches a dormant stage if the average temperature of the soil goes below sixty-eight degrees. This means the leaves will lose their pigment and begin to become brown.

Can I mix bermuda and St. Augustine? ›

Bermuda and St Augustine don't look good together at all.

What grass is used on golf courses? ›

Most modern-day course owners prefer Bermuda Grass or Bentgrass on the greens. The combination of these two types of grass is used with a logic behind them. Bermuda Grass grows well in Southern climates, while for Northern Climates, Bentgrass is excellent.

When should I plant St Augustine grass? ›

Augustine grass grows best in the warmth of spring and summer, when high temperatures are normally 80-100 °F. Plant St. Augustine grass plugs or sod in full sun, at least 90 days before your region's first estimated fall frost, to give the grass plenty of time to establish.

What is the best thing to put on St. Augustine grass? ›

Apply 1 pound of soluble nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn every 8 weeks, or 11/2 pounds of slow-release nitrogen every 10 weeks. Have your soil tested to determine what added nutrients your lawn may need. For information on soil testing procedures, contact your county Extension agent.

Is St. Augustine grass hard to take care of? ›

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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