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Help for Saint Augustine Grass Problems with Weeds

Healthy St. Augustine grass has few weeds; however, St. Augustine grass that has been improperly maintained, disease-stressed or inflicted with pests may house a large weed population. Because St. Augustine grass goes dormant in the winter, gardeners may see numerous cool-season weeds such as henbit, clover and chickweed pop up. Treat your weeds with a combination of pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides. Alter any improper cultural practices to achieve a lush-growing lawn.

  1. Pre-Emergent Herbicide

    • St. Augustine grass commonly invades fescue, annual bluegrass and crabgrass. Gardeners can eradicate these grasses from the lawn by applying pre-emergent herbicide, according to Texas A&M University. Pre-emergent herbicide inhibits grass seed's ability to germinate; thus, it is ineffective on seeds that are already germinating or on existing weeds. Apply pre-emergent herbicide in the spring before the soil warms up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent missing your opportunity to prevent seed germination. Water the pre-emergent herbicide into the soil.

    Post-Emergent Herbicide

    • Post-emergent herbicide must be selective in areas where weeds are growing within your St. Augustine grass. Gardeners must use a post-emergent herbicide that is chemically formulated to kill the weeds without harming the St. Augustine grass. Also, a post-emergent herbicide for broad-leafed weeds must be used within the yard. Refrain from mowing for two days before and after you apply you post-emergent herbicide, so that the chemicals have enough leaf surface to absorb into the plant.

    Non-Selective Herbicides

    • Spray a non-selective herbicide that contains glyphosate onto weeds growing near non-target plants, such as in the driveway or on the sidewalk. Glyphosate becomes almost completely inert when it contacts the soil, so you don't have to worry about runoff. To be safe, place plastic on top of St. Augustine grass or other ornamental plants to protect them from the spray. Spray your non-selective herbicide on a dry, wind-free day.

    Weed Prevention

    • Weeds can be prevented with proper cultural practices such as mowing. Keep your St. Augustine grass 2 1/2 inches tall, according to Texas A&M University. Mowing any lower can put stress on your St. Augustine grass. Avoid taking off more than one-third of the grass blade at a time to prevent causing a weak root system. Weak root systems can lead to thinning grass or bare areas where weeds can take advantage of the lack of competition.

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Growing Grass
  1. When to Winterize Saint Augustine Grass in Texas
  2. St. Augustine Grass & Tree Problems
  3. Problems Re-Sodding Lawns With Crabgrass
  4. Fertilizers & Weed Killers for St. Augustine Grass
  5. My St. Augustine Grass Is Dying With Fungus
  6. Grass Control for Watermelons
  7. Weeds & Grass Killer
  8. Turf, Grass & Weeds
  9. Water Usage for St. Augustine Grass
  10. How to Care for Bermudagrass With Weeds
  11. Problems With Centipede Grass
  12. How to Plant Grass on Lawn With Weeds

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