St. Augustine grass is a popular choice for homeowners in North Texas due to its lush, dark green appearance and ability to thrive in the region’s warm climate. However, like all warm-season grasses, St. Augustine goes dormant during the colder months. While this is a natural process, it doesn’t mean your lawn can be neglected. Proper winter and pre-spring care is essential to ensure your St. Augustine grass comes back strong when the warmer weather arrives.
In this article, we’ll cover key tips for maintaining your St. Augustine grass during the winter months and preparing it for the spring growing season, along with some interesting “Did you know?” facts that will help you become a St. Augustine expert!
1. Understanding St. Augustine Grass Dormancy
St. Augustine grass is a warm-season grass, meaning it thrives during the hot, summer months and goes dormant when temperatures drop. During the winter, it turns brown and stops growing, conserving energy until the soil warms up again in the spring. Knowing when dormancy occurs and how it affects your lawn is crucial for winter care.
Did you know? St. Augustine grass goes dormant at temperatures below 50°F. It can stay dormant for several months but will begin to green up once soil temperatures consistently rise above 65°F — usually around late March or early April in North Texas.
2. Mowing Your St. Augustine Grass Before Winter
Before the cold weather hits, make sure to give your St. Augustine grass one last mowing. However, you should not cut it too short. It’s best to leave your grass at about 2.5 to 3 inches in height as this helps it to better survive the winter months. Keeping the grass at the right height also helps prevent excessive thatch buildup and encourages healthy growth when it comes out of dormancy.
Did you know? St. Augustine grass has a relatively fast growth rate compared to other warm-season grasses. However, it requires less frequent mowing than other varieties like Bermuda because it tends to grow more slowly in cooler temperatures.
3. Watering During Winter Dormancy
During the winter, St. Augustine grass enters dormancy and its water needs significantly decrease. Over-watering during this time can lead to root rot and other issues. In general, you should water your lawn once or twice a month during the winter months, depending on rainfall.
If there’s a dry period and your lawn is not receiving natural rainfall, give your grass a deep watering. However, avoid watering during periods of freezing temperatures, as this can lead to ice accumulation and potential damage to the grass.
Did you know? St. Augustine grass has a shallow root system compared to other grasses like Bermuda, which means it can dry out more quickly during droughts. However, it is still drought-tolerant once it’s established and requires far less water in the winter.
4. Fertilizing St. Augustine Grass in Winter
Fertilizing your St. Augustine grass during the winter months is generally unnecessary, as the grass is dormant and won’t actively absorb nutrients. However, you should plan to fertilize your lawn in early spring, just before it begins to green up.
When spring arrives and soil temperatures rise above 65°F, apply a slow-release fertilizer designed for warm-season grasses. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (such as 16-4-8) works well for St. Augustine. Avoid fertilizing too early in the season, as this can encourage premature growth that may be susceptible to late frosts.
Did you know? Applying fertilizer to St. Augustine grass during winter can stress the lawn and cause excessive, weak growth in the early spring. Timing your fertilizer application correctly is key to a healthy lawn.
5. Weed Control During Dormancy
Winter weeds, such as chickweed, henbit, and dandelions, are common in St. Augustine lawns during the dormant period. These weeds can take advantage of the sparse growth of your St. Augustine grass and spread if not controlled.
To prevent winter weeds from taking over your lawn, it’s best to apply a pre-emergent herbicide in the fall. Pre-emergents work by forming a barrier in the soil that prevents weed seeds from germinating. If you didn’t apply a pre-emergent, you can still manually remove any weeds as they appear, but make sure not to disturb the dormant grass too much.
Did you know? St. Augustine grass can be sensitive to certain herbicides, especially when it’s dormant. Always check the label for safe use on St. Augustine and follow the recommended application rates.
6. Cleaning Up Your Lawn and Removing Debris
Even though your St. Augustine grass is dormant, it’s essential to keep your lawn free of debris, such as fallen leaves, branches, or other yard waste. Leftover debris can block sunlight from reaching the grass and trap moisture, creating the perfect environment for fungal diseases to thrive.
Rake up any leaves and debris regularly, especially in shaded areas where the grass might not be receiving enough light. Doing so helps promote a cleaner, healthier lawn when the growing season begins.
Did you know? St. Augustine grass is prone to fungal diseases like brown patch, especially in areas where there’s excess moisture or poor air circulation. Regularly cleaning up your lawn and removing debris can help prevent these issues.
7. Preparing for Spring Green-Up
Once winter begins to wane and temperatures rise, your St. Augustine grass will slowly begin to emerge from dormancy. You can help speed up the green-up process by following a few key steps:
- Rake up any leftover debris: Removing fallen leaves and dead grass will allow sunlight to reach the grass, promoting healthy new growth.
- Aerate your lawn if necessary: If your lawn has heavy foot traffic or compacted soil, consider aerating it in early spring. Aeration allows water and nutrients to penetrate the soil more easily and encourages root growth.
- Gradually increase watering: As temperatures warm, begin to water your St. Augustine grass more frequently. Be sure to water deeply and infrequently to encourage strong, deep roots.
Did you know? St. Augustine grass is one of the slowest warm-season grasses to green up in the spring. However, once it starts growing, it tends to be thick and lush, providing excellent coverage and a beautiful lawn.
Conclusion
Caring for St. Augustine grass in North Texas during the winter and pre-spring months involves a combination of light maintenance and preparation. Understanding its dormancy cycle, reducing water and fertilization during the winter, preventing weeds, and cleaning up debris will help your lawn thrive when the warmer months arrive. By following these simple tips, you’ll ensure that your St. Augustine grass returns vibrant and healthy come spring.
With the right care, St. Augustine grass can become a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn that can withstand the hot summers and occasional cold spells in North Texas. So, as winter fades and spring approaches, keep these tips in mind for a stunning lawn all year long!
Don’t let weeds steal the spotlight! Contact American Lawnscape today to learn more about our Weed Control and Ferilization Program. Our experienced technicians will assess your lawn and recommend the most effective solution to keep those pesky winter weeds at bay.
Any Questions?
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