Maintaining Your St. Augustine Lawn in North Texas: A Complete Guide

As a North Texas lawn care professional, I've seen firsthand how St. Augustine grass can thrive in our challenging climate when properly maintained. This warm-season grass is a popular choice for homeowners thanks to its thick, carpet-like appearance and excellent shade tolerance. However, our unique climate and soil conditions require specific care techniques to keep your St. Augustine lawn looking its best.

Watering Practices

The key to a healthy St. Augustine lawn in North Texas starts with proper watering. During our hot summers, your lawn typically needs about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, split between two or three watering sessions. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth, which helps your grass better survive our occasional droughts.

Early morning watering (between 4 AM and 10 AM) is ideal, as it reduces water loss through evaporation and helps prevent fungal diseases. During winter dormancy, reduce watering to once every two weeks if there's no rainfall.

Mowing Guidelines

Proper mowing height is crucial for St. Augustine grass. Keep your lawn at 2.5 to 3 inches tall during the growing season. This height helps shade the soil, reducing water evaporation and preventing weed growth. Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade length in a single mowing session, as this can stress the grass.

During peak growing season (May through September), you'll likely need to mow weekly. Reduce mowing frequency in spring and fall, and avoid mowing dormant grass in winter unless it becomes uneven.

Fertilization Schedule

St. Augustine grass in North Texas benefits from a well-planned fertilization schedule:

• Early Spring (March): Apply a balanced fertilizer (15-15-15) to wake up the lawn

• Late Spring (May): Use a high-nitrogen fertilizer (21-7-14)

• Summer (July): Apply another round of high-nitrogen fertilizer

• Fall (September): Final feeding with a winterizer fertilizer high in potassium

Always apply fertilizer to dry grass and water thoroughly afterward. Calculate your lawn's square footage to avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to thatch buildup and environmental issues.

Common Problems and Solutions

Brown Patch

This fungal disease typically appears in fall when nights are cool and humid. Circular brown patches can spread quickly if not treated. Reduce watering frequency and apply a fungicide containing azoxystrobin at the first sign of infection.

Chinch Bugs

These tiny pests can devastate St. Augustine lawns during hot, dry periods. Look for yellowing patches that don't respond to watering, particularly in sunny areas. Treat affected areas with an appropriate insecticide and maintain proper watering practices to prevent future infestations.

Take-All Root Rot

This disease often appears in spring and can be devastating if left untreated. Symptoms include yellowing grass that easily pulls up from the soil. Maintain proper soil pH (around 6.5) and apply a fungicide containing propiconazole when symptoms first appear.

Seasonal Maintenance Tips

Spring

• Remove winter debris

• Check for winter damage

• Begin regular mowing as grass greens up

• Apply pre-emergent herbicide to prevent summer weeds

Summer

• Increase watering frequency during drought periods

• Monitor for chinch bug activity

• Spot-treat weeds as needed

• Maintain regular mowing schedule

Fall

• Watch for brown patch development

• Reduce watering frequency

• Apply post-emergent herbicide if needed

• Continue mowing until growth stops

Winter

• Avoid walking on frozen grass

• Water only during extended dry periods

• Skip mowing unless necessary

• Plan next year's maintenance schedule

Final Thoughts

A beautiful St. Augustine lawn in North Texas is achievable with consistent care and attention to detail. By following these guidelines and adjusting them based on your specific yard conditions, you can maintain a lawn that's the envy of your neighborhood. Remember that every lawn is unique, and it may take some time to find the perfect balance of care for your particular situation.

Don't hesitate to contact Handsome Lawn Service if you encounter persistent problems or need personalized advice for your lawn's specific needs. With proper care and attention, your St. Augustine grass can provide a beautiful, durable lawn for years to come.