Advantages and Disadvantages of St. Augustine Grass

Lawn

• St. Augustine grass makes a good lawn turf in warm, humid areas. Its rapid grows gives lawns a lush green look many homeowners value. It performs best when subjected to only a small amount of foot traffic. St. Augustine grass does not thrive in a climate with cold winter temperatures. It may suffer serious injury when exposed to temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. St. Augustine has a good tolerance to shade and prospers in a wide range of soil conditions.

Mowing

• A disadvantage of St. Augustine grass results from it rapid growth, which can lead to frequent mowing during the growing season. When the grass grows briskly during the late spring and summer, it may require mowing every five to seven days to maintain a height below 2 inches. You may mow less frequently to maintain the grass at greater height. For instance, mow every seven to 10 days to keep a height of 2 1/2 inches and every 10 to 14 days for heights above 2 1/2 inches, advises Texas A&M University.

Insects

• Another disadvantage of St. Augustine is its vulnerability to insects; you need to watch carefully for any signs of pests. Chinch bugs and white grubs in particular target St. Augustine and can cause serious harm. The chinch bug poses an especially virulent threat in Florida, where it remains active throughout the year. White grubs eat the root of the grass and can create dead areas of turf. Apply appropriate pesticides to control these pests and follow all label instructions.

Weeds

• St. Augustine does a good job of keeping most types of weeds under control, provided it's healthy and not under stress. Some cool season grasses can invade St. Augustine during its dormancy period, but you can control these with hormone-type herbicides. You can repel threats from crabgrass and fescue with pre-emegent herbicides. St. Augustine has some sensitivity to certain herbicides, so consult with your local nursery or garden center before applying.