Does St Augustine Grass Spread? Unraveling the Growth Pattern!

When you choose a grass for your garden, its ability to spread becomes a crucial factor to consider. It will be pointless to maintain grass that spreads at the speed of a snail’s walk. So, does St Augustine grass spread? As St Augustine is a popular choice for lawns, today, we will be discussing how fast it can spread so you can decide whether this particular grass type is suitable for your garden or not. Further, we will reveal some essential caring tips that help to make St. Augustine grass spread quickly, so keep reading!

Does St Augustine Grass Spread?

Yes, St. Augustine grass does spread. It is known for its ability to establish quickly and spread aggressively, making it a popular choice for lawns in warmer climates. 

St. Augustine grass spreads through stolons, which are horizontal above-ground stems that grow outward from the main plant.

Unlike some other types of grass, St. Augustine is not typically grown from seed. Its dense growth habit can help suppress weeds, but it also means that any gaps or bare patches can be quickly filled in by the grass spreading.

Moreover, this grass type is more shade-tolerant than many other warm-season grasses, allowing it to spread even in areas with partial shade.

However, St. Augustine grass can accumulate thatch quickly due to its aggressive growth. Thus, regular dethatching may be necessary to maintain lawn health.

What’s more, other common mowing practices, such as watering and fertilizing, help maintain its spreading capability and overall health.

Due to its spreading nature, St. Augustine grass is effective for quickly establishing a lawn!

How to Make St. Augustine Grass Spread Quickly?

In order to make St Augustine grass spread quickly and establish a thick, healthy lawn, you should follow several maintenance steps.

These steps focus on providing the ideal growing conditions for St. Augustine grass, which is a warm-season turfgrass known for its aggressive spreading habit:

Proper Mowing: Regular mowing helps St. Augustine grass spread. You should keep the grass at the recommended height for the variety, typically between 2.5 to 4 inches. Mowing too short can stress the grass while leaving it too long can hinder horizontal growth.

Adequate Watering: Water the grass deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. St. Augustine grass generally needs about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. But avoid overwatering, as this can lead to fungal diseases.

Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer appropriate for St. Augustine grass. Fertilize in spring and summer, following the recommendations on the fertilizer package. Proper nutrition is crucial for healthy growth and spread.

Dethatching: Make sure to remove thatch if it becomes thicker than half an inch. Thatch is a layer of dead grass and roots that can accumulate on the soil surface, hindering grass spread and root penetration.

Aeration: Aerating the soil helps improve water and nutrient penetration and relieves soil compaction. This is particularly beneficial for encouraging the stolons of St. Augustine grass to establish and spread.

Weed Control: There is no doubt that weeds can compete with St. Augustine grass for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Therefore, use appropriate herbicides or manual removal methods, being careful to choose products safe for St. Augustine grass.

Dealing with Pests and Diseases: Regularly check for signs of pests and diseases. Prompt treatment can prevent these issues from hindering the grass’s growth and spread.

Adequate Sunlight: Ensure that your lawn receives adequate sunlight. While St. Augustine grass tolerates moderate shade, it spreads best in full sun.

Soil Health: Regularly test your soil to ensure it has the right pH and nutrient levels for St. Augustine grass. Adjust the soil composition if it is needed, as poor soil quality can inhibit growth.

Plugging Sparse Areas: For large bare spots, consider planting St. Augustine plugs. These plugs will grow and spread over time, filling in the gaps.

What’s the Best Soil for St. Augustine Grass?

The best soil for St. Augustine grass is one that provides a balanced mix of good drainage, nutrient retention, and proper pH levels.

St. Augustine grass thrives in a variety of soil types, but there are certain conditions that are particularly favorable for its growth. Let us reveal those requirements one by one. 

Soil Type: Loamy soil is ideal for St. Augustine grass. Loam is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay, offering a balance of drainage and nutrient retention. Sandy loam, in particular, is great because it drains well while still holding enough moisture and nutrients.

Soil pH: St. Augustine grass prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH, typically between 5.5 and 7.0. If the soil is too acidic or alkaline, you should adjust the pH. Lime can be added to raise the pH (reduce acidity), while sulfur can be used to lower the pH (increase acidity).

Organic Matter: Incorporating organic matter like compost into the soil can improve its structure, nutrient content, and moisture retention. This is particularly beneficial if your soil is heavy clay or very sandy.

Drainage: Good drainage is crucial for better grass growth. St. Augustine grass does not tolerate “wet feet,” meaning it shouldn’t be left in standing water. Thus, if your soil has poor drainage, consider amending it with organic matter or sand to improve water flow.

Nutrient Content: Fertile soil rich in essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium supports the healthy growth of St. Augustine grass. Regular soil testing can help determine if additional fertilization is needed.

Aeration: Compact soil can hinder the growth of St. Augustine grass. Aerating the soil periodically helps improve air exchange, water infiltration, and root penetration.

Moisture Retention: While good drainage is important, the soil should also be able to retain enough moisture to sustain the grass, especially during dry spells. Loamy soils usually strike a good balance.