St. Augustine, or Charleston grass, is a warm-season grass generally found in Florida’s subtropical, sunny climate and many southern states. It is known for its coarse texture and shade tolerance. As this grass is sensitive to soil nutrients and pH levels, choosing the right fertilizer is necessary to sustain it over long periods. The best fertilizer for St. Augustine grass possesses certain qualities that one should look for on the label.
Choosing a fertilizer for St. Augustine grass
Experts in lawn and soil maintenance generally list certain key qualities that fertilizers for St. Augustine grass must have. Knowing these qualities and incorporating the right tips can help maintain the grass better in the long term.
Check the nitrogen content
St. Augustine grass grows aggressively, forming dense mats and competing with weeds for space. Experts recommend using a high-nitrogen fertilizer as it helps nourish the rapidly growing grass and achieve a greener lawn. Nitrogen can also help the grass recover from stress and injury, contributing to its overall health.
Ensure a balance of nutrients
Like most other kinds of grass, St. Augustine grass requires phosphorus and potassium in addition to nitrogen. But, one must ensure the fertilizer they pick has the right quantity of these nutrients. Soils deteriorate or lose their nutritional value when even a single nutrient is present in lower or higher amounts than required.
A nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium proportion of 16-4-8 or 20-5-10 in fertilizers is near perfect for St. Augustine grass. This balance supports its development during periods of rapid growth and when new lawns are being established.
Prioritize organic options
Many kinds of fertilizers exist, but organic and synthetic are perhaps the most popular ones. Of these, synthetic fertilizers are less preferred because they contain several chemical components that reduce soil fertility if used frequently. In that sense, synthetic fertilizers are not environmentally friendly.
On the other hand, organic fertilizers are made of recyclable and natural elements like compost and manure. These elements naturally improve soil health without increasing its salinity. Organic fertilizers are also likely to be much more cost-effective than chemical-heavy fertilizers from big companies sold in the market.
Pick slow-release fertilizers if available
Many people think that fast-release fertilizers are more effective. The truth is that such fertilizers increase the risk of nutrient runoff and burning. For St. Augustine grass, controlled-release or slow-release fertilizers are better. They gradually spread their nutrients into the soil over time, ensuring a steady supply for much longer. Consistency is more valuable than speed when it comes to soil fertilization.
Look for granulated fertilizers
The texture of a fertilizer is just as critical as its nutritional composition. Liquid or water-soluble fertilizers mix with the soil easily, which makes them work faster than granulated fertilizers. But, this might not be ideal for St. Augustine grass. Granulated fertilizers provide lawns with a more consistent and steady nutrient supply. They ensure the soil receives the right amount of nutrition over hours and even days instead of shorter phases.
Using fertilizers on St. Augustine grass
Just selecting the best fertilizer for St. Augustine grass is not enough. One must also know how to use it correctly. Following certain tips during lawn maintenance can help make the most of one’s investment.
Test the soil regularly
Nutrient levels and pH are two key components of soil. If either is too high or low, the soil becomes unsuitable for growing St. Augustine grass. To know both levels, one must regularly test the soil. Soil testing helps prevent the over- or under-application of fertilizers. Since this is a common procedure for lawn maintenance, one can easily find the equipment required for soil testing.
Aerate the soil
Air is a vital component of the soil and an indispensable requirement for St. Augustine grass growth. Aerating lawn soil regularly helps loosen it up and prevent soil compaction. To facilitate aeration, one can punch small holes in their lawn. These holes will improve air penetration and drainage within the soil.
Over-aerating the soil is not recommended, as that would simply increase its humidity, resulting in pest growth and lawn diseases. One way to avoid over-aeration is to avoid punching too many holes (or holes too deep).
Use the direct application alternative to prevent chlorosis
Yellowing of St. Augustine grass is a nightmare for lawn owners. Known as chlorosis, this condition is caused by nitrogen, iron, and manganese deficiencies. Directly applying nitrogen, iron, or manganese (whichever out of the three is deficient) helps prevent chlorosis and makes the lawn greener over time.
