Reduce waterings to once a day after the St. Augustine grass has been in place for 1 to 1 1/2 weeks. Watering during the day wastes water due to excessive evaporation from the sun. © 2020 Floralawn • Powered by Phase Three, Gray Leaf Spot: A Florida Summer Turf Disease, Techy Gift Roundup (for Your Florida Landscaper), Your Fall Lawn: Mowing, Watering & Repairing. St. Augustine is a warm-season grass that grows well in full sun and moist soil in warm, coastal areas. Green and growing Saint Augustine grass indicates it is still active and producing energy. St Augustine needs water when the soil is dry - which can be any day of the week - not just your watering day. Continue to water with a regular schedule of an average of 1 inch of water per week. However, the seed performed poorly and is no longer available. Warm-Season Grasses – Warm-season grasses such as zoysia and bermuda grass grow best when the air temperature is above 80 degrees. The mower setting should be between 2 to 2½ inches high. As seen in Forbes, CNBC and USA Today, LawnStarter lets makes it easy to schedule service with a local lawn care professional. Apply just 1/2 inch of water at each daily watering session for the next week. Improve soil quality. A study released in 2015 by researchers at the University of Florida found that 64 percent of the drinking water used by homes in Orange County went toward irrigation, with that figure rising to 88 percent during the summer. St. Augustine grass is very hearty and will withstand drought fairly well. Additional irrigation is unnecessary and wasteful,” the St. Johns water district says. Nitrogen fertilizer application on St. Augustine can range from 3 to 5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year. The most common fertilizers supply a balanced amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Keep reading to learn exactly why night watering leads to issues, as well as what the best time to water your lawn is for your climate. Visit www.lawnstarter.com/orlando-fl-lawn-care. To figure out how long you should water your lawn, put empty tuna cans or measuring cups around the yard, all within range of your sprinkler, the University of Florida recommends. Growth slows in fall and winter. Lawns need only about three-fourths of an inch of water during one watering session, the University of Florida says. Watering is always prohibited between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Other communities in the Orlando area have similar restrictions. It is also best to avoid temperature extremes if possible, especially if freezing temperatures are forecast. Although you can plant St. Augustine grass at other times, in north Florida avoid cold winter months or hot, dry summer periods. St. Augustine grass is a very popular southern grass. When you do water, wet the soil to a depth of 6 inches. Grass with deeper roots is more drought-resistant than grass with shallower roots, the university says. In general, warm-season grass types require less water than cool-season grasses. Mowing:Mow the lawn slightly lower than the regular summer mowing height. When it turns brown in late fall, the grass has gone dormant. Even though St. Augustinegrass is normally dormant in winter, you may still need to water it periodically when the weather is warm, dry and windy. St. Augustine grass likes to be kept moist and should be watered deeply once each week to maintain the most attractive and lush appearance. The grass does well in the sun, requiring at least 6 or more hours of direct sunlight each day, and is also salt-tolerant, perfect for property near oceans. We recommend fertilizer high in phosphorous. The cooler the days - the less watering is required, the hotter the days - the more waterings are required each and every day. Bahia grass is another good alternative. Hand-watering hot spots or weak lawns may be necessary. Hand-watering is NOT prohibited, so long as it is after 6pm or before 8am. Plant St. Augustine grass plugs or sod in full sun, at least 90 days before your regionâs first estimated fall ⦠Watering in the late morning may be detrimental if it extends the time the lawn is naturally wet from dew, which may accelerate disease issues. Fertilizers comprise a broad range of amendments that add some kind of nutritional benefit to the soil. Anytime is a good time to water your lawn. ⦠If we’re talking about watering brand new St. Augustine grass sod that we’re just now laying, we normally say that you need to water it 2” to 3” the day you put it down, which is an incredible amount of water. “The higher the … Therefore, your irrigation system might be inefficient or ineffective, the University of Florida warns. If these three items are being properly attained, then the resulting turfgrass will be thick, strong, green, and vigorous, and will combat insects, weeds, and wild grasses more easily. “Watering in late afternoon or late morning may be detrimental if it extends the time the lawn is naturally wet from dew. Even if you forgo the salt, the nitrogen is essential for keeping this variety healthy. Regarding the height of your grass, taller tends to be better. “A properly irrigated grass plant is better able to withstand pressure from weeds and insects. Although St. Augustinegrass can be planted year-round in warmer regions of Florida, the best time to plant any warm-season grass is during its time of active growth for quickest establishment. During the middle of the year, run your sprinkler system for around five hours every week to keep your grass from burning out. As you probably know, the best time to water your grass is early in the morning, between the hours of 4 and 10 am. New Saint Augustine lawns planted in Summer will require watering several times throughout the day for the first couple of weeks after planting. “The absolute best time to water your lawn is the early morning, before 10AM,” says Maurer. Rains come at any time of the day and night without killing St Augustine lawns. Fall Watering for St. Augustine. St. Augustine grass will let you know when it needs to be watered, and that's the only time you should water it. “People get stingy with the water, especially when people are clamoring about a water shortage or drought time, and they’ll cut back on the water. This enables the water to soak through the … Although St. Augustinegrass can be planted year-round in warmer regions of Florida, the best time to plant any warm-season grass is during its time of active growth for quickest establishment. If your St. Augustine turf is dying because of poor soil quality, the solution is … This can help improve the grass’s growth rate. "Floratam" is the most common variety, giving a dense, green lawn in warm months. The total annual rate depends upon desired quality, length of the growing season, recovery from traffic and a number of other factors. For established lawns the best time of day to water grass is in the early morning hours, preferably just before sunrise. Continue to water them as long as the grass … “The higher the grass, the more extensive the root system becomes,” the University of Florida says. Fertilization. Less sun in the mornings means lower temperatures. LawnStarter is a startup making lawn care easy affordable and reliable. In an irrigation system with optimal pressure and proper coverage, the times listed above should provide the correct depth of watering. Zoysia, St. Augustine, bermuda and centipede grasses develop deep root systems, making them better able to withstand drought. If weâre talking about watering brand new St. Augustine grass sod that weâre just now laying, we normally say that you need to water it 2â to 3â the day you put it down, which is an incredible amount of water. Being a warm-season turfgrass, St. Augustine grows best during summer. St. Augustine grass is usually dormant during the colder winter and fall seasons. You should, therefore, establish your lawn in mid-summer when conditions are great for the growth and spread of this grass species all over your lawn. Your St. Augustine generally only needs about one inch of water weekly including rainfall. St. Augustine grass is a small family of warm season grass varietals that thrive in warm and humid climates and like to be kept moist. It is also best to avoid temperature extremes if possible, especially if freezing temperatures are forecast. Where you live determines how frequently you need to water because of differences in rainfall and summer weather conditions. We recommend fertilizer high in phosphorous. Watering in late afternoon or late morning may be detrimental if it extends the time the lawn is naturally wet from dew. Follow this blog to stay tuned with what you need to keep your lawn in tip-top shape year-round. St. Augustine grass is usually dormant during the colder winter and fall … Maybe some day it will. Proper management practices can eliminate most weed problems.”. Empire zoysia grass as an alternative, since it’s more drought-tolerant than St. Augustine and needs about half as much water. “Keep it wet,” Orr says. When it comes to watering your lawn in the Orlando, FL, area, timing is everything. Most people do not realize how long it takes to … As it stands now, no seed is available for St Augustine grass. Multiply these percentages by the weight o… Cut St. Augustine grass about an inch higher than you would during the summer. Be careful not to set the mower too low, as it may scalp the lawn. A: The best time is in the early morning hours (1:00am to 3:00am), prior to the dew. The most common fertilizers supply a balanced amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. In the fall, you will want to water the St. Augustine less as temperatures begin to drop. Irrigation may be needed to supplement natural rainfall. It’s important to give leaf surfaces time to dry before nightfall to deter disease and decay. “Additional irrigation is unnecessary and wasteful,” the St. Johns water district says. Subtract any precipitation from the lawnâs watering needs. The mower setting should be between 2 to 2½ inches high. St Augustine grass requires approximately 4 to 5 lbs nitrogen per 1000 sq. Fertilize one final time in late fall with a layer of rich compost sprinkled across the lawn. ft. per year. Why is the early morning the best time for watering, you ask? St. Augustine grass grows best in the warmth of spring and summer, when high temperatures are normally 80-100 °F. St. Augustine grass is a warm-season grass, which means it grows well in the deep South, where summers are hot and the sun is relentless. Fertilizing your St. Augustine grass is a major key to its growth. The City of Oviedo suggests Empire zoysia grass as an alternative, since it’s more drought-tolerant than St. Augustine and needs about half as much water. This allows the grass to dry before nightfall, reducing the risk of disease. How to Hire a Lawn Care Company in Orlando, 4 Things To Know About Spring Lawn Care in Orlando, Basic Secrets to Year Round Lawn Care in Orlando, 3 Good Reasons To Care For Your Orlando Lawn. Multiply these percentages by the weight of t⦠St. Augustine grass is a very popular Southern lawn grass due to its toughness and lush green growth. Mowing:Mow the lawn slightly lower than the regular summer mowing height. Cooler temperatures and calm breezes help keep evaporation to a … As for the type of care St. Augustine grass needs, this warm-season grass likes moisture and should be watered deeply. To maximize the effort, the University of Florida, St. Augustine grass is a water hog. A: For an already healthy lawn, two – three times per week*. Itâs normally a very aggressive spreader â in fact, most of the time I hear questions about how to stop it! Watering the lawn twice a week is good for this grass. Hot Weather Watering Sod applied during times of hot weather or in the peak of the summer sunshine may need to be watered as often as once or twice per ⦠Check www.georgiadrought.org for the latest information. The best time for lawn irrigation is in the early morning hours. Cut St. Augustine grass about an inch higher than you would during the summer. The City of Oviedo suggests Empire zoysia grass as an alternative, since itâs more drought-tolerant than St. Augustine and needs about half as much water. There are three simple characteristics of an irrigation plan for St. Augustine: Frequency, Duration, and Time. Anytime is a good time to water your lawn. Palmetto is more tolerant of cold and produces a brilliant, blue-green lawn. This enables the water to soak through the soil and completely nourish the plantâs root system. St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) grows best during the warm (80 to 95 °F) months of spring, summer and early fall.It grows vigorously during this time and becomes brown and dormant in winter. Buffalo Grass. Ease off on watering. Recommended water amount for St. Augustine gras: It is recommended that St. Augustine lawns receive 1 inch of water per week. For established lawns the best time of day to water grass is in the early morning hours, preferably just before sunrise. The best time to water grass, like so many things in life is dependent on circumstances. If you water your grass too much, it could lead to disease during this time. During the summer months, a mature St. Augustine lawn requires water two to four times per week, depending on the soil's makeup and its ability to hold moisture. If the lawn has been overseeded, water as you would from March through May. Temperature. These amounts are represented on fertilizer bags by three numbers, like 12-12-12, 8-4-6, or 10-10-10. Fertilizing your St. Augustine grass is a major key to its growth. Start watering at this frequency immediately after laying new St. Augustine sod until the sod has been in place for 1 to 1 1/2 weeks. St Augustine needs water when the soil is dry - which can be any day of the week - not just your watering day. If the Saint Augustine grass is looking a little pale or worse for wear, then it would be best to slightly adjust watering times until the grass regains its lushness. Watering the lawn twice a week is good for this grass. As of July 2010, Florida residents can use automatic sprinklers 2x / week. As long as temperatures remain above 40â, water St. Augustine with 1 inch of water (typically an hour with sprinklers) once every 2 weeks. It grows well on most well drained soils. You should, therefore, establish your lawn in mid-summer when conditions are great for the growth and spread of this grass species all over your lawn. For example, St. Augustine grass is known for spreading along beaches and even close to arid desert regions. Cooler temperatures and calm breezes help keep evaporation to a ⦠St. Augustinegrass is tolerant to saline irrigation and brackish water, and is the best shade tolerant grass suitable for Florida. Plant sod in spring or summer when the grass is actively growing. St. Augustine grass is a water hog. A full inch of water is recommended during hot, dry months, but always follow local water regulations. That’s why we created this guide about the best time to water your lawn. Fertilizers comprise a broad range of amendments that add some kind of nutritional benefit to the soil. Watering in the morning (before 10 a.m.) is the best time for your lawn; it’s cooler and winds tend to be calmer so water can soak into the soil and be absorbed by the grass roots before it can evaporate. If it goes about 6 weeks without water, it will turn brown and appear to be dormant and dying. The fall and winter months are periods of dormancy for St. Augustine grass. St. Augustine grass spreads both by rhizomes and stolons, meaning that it sends out runners both above and below ground. When dormant, grass turns brown. [Frequency]. It grows well on most well drained soils. The best time for lawn irrigation is in the early morning hours. The City of Oviedo. Early morning watering is best because of two main factors: wind and temperature. Bahia grass is another good alternative. This extended "dew period" can accelerate disease occurrence. When the sun is becoming hot, it can cause plant diseases . Most people do not realize how long it takes to put down 2â to 3â of water over a large area. St. Augustine grass is only slightly drought resistant, so monitoring how much rain the lawn gets is very important. St. Augustinegrass is a fast-growing, warm-season turfgrass used extensively in Florida. Conversely, it doesn't survive well in cold temperatures and dry areas. Looking for lawn care in Orlando? St. Augustine grass is a water hog. Normally a solid green, the grass turns a bluish hue when it needs water. If your lawn needs water on Tuesday and you cannot water until Thursday â kiss your lawn goodbye. Watering during the day wastes water to excessive evaporation. Citing research from the University of Florida, the St. Johns River Water Management District, that “healthy Florida lawns require no more than two days per week of water during the hot, dry season — less during rainy periods — and no more than one day a week during cooler weather.”, Lawns need only about three-fourths of an inch of water during one watering session, the University of Florida. Consider the Best Time to Plant St. Augustine Grass. The best time to water a lawn is in the morning, preferably before noon. It has a moderate drought tolerance that allows it to keep its color better than competitors. The truth is: watering at night is a bad idea. Later on, you can use nitrogen fertilizer. When the leaf blades wilt, turn a blue-gray color or when footprints remain visible after walking in the grass, the lawn is in need of irrigation. Growth slows in fall and winter. ft. per year. During the summer months, healthy St. Augustine can only go 1 to 5 days between irrigation events, based on the heat index (Myers & Horn, 1969). Citing research from the University of Florida, the St. Johns River Water Management District says that “healthy Florida lawns require no more than two days per week of water during the hot, dry season — less during rainy periods — and no more than one day a week during cooler weather.”. St. Augustine grass grows fastest during summer and slower when itâs colder. The trick is to water only when the grass needs it. St. Augustine grass grows fastest during summer and slower when it’s colder. Continue to water with a regular schedule of an average of 1 inch of water per week. Watering during the day wastes water to excessive evaporation. Know the Rules. For regular watering, ½ to ¾ of an inch of water per application is enough to replenish the grass. Weakened turf needs even more water. Proper irrigation in addition to a standardized Turf Treatment Schedule will provide optimal results for healthy grass. For optimum quality, adequate irrigation and fertilization are required. It thrives in hot weather and can even withstand saltwater in coastal areas. Be careful not to set the mower too low, as it may scalp the lawn. To maximize the effort, the University of Florida suggests watering your lawn early in the morning. Do not overwater St. Augustine grass to avoid pooling water. This height reduction should be done just before the lawn greens up, which usually occurs during late April or early May. Watering restrictions may impact how often you can irrigate. After 30 minutes, gauge the amount of water that’s in each can or cup. For optimum quality, adequate irrigation and fertilization are required. Even after the blades turn brown, water St. Augustine. A: The best time is in the early morning hours (1:00am to 3:00am), prior to the dew. Watering Restrictions for Dallas Take into account recent rainfall when deciding how much to apply. Otherwise, sod is easy to plant over cleared and tilled ground. Regarding the height of your grass, taller tends to be better. A good rule is to wet the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches to reach the root system of the plants. “Watering during the day wastes water to excessive evaporation,” the university says. Then donât water again until the grass shows symptoms of drought stressâa dull, bluish color, rolled or folded leaves, and persistent footprints. Ultimate Lawn Food Natural Liquid Fertilizer. The best time frame to water is early morning and early evening. Rains come at any time of the day and night without killing St Augustine lawns. St. Augustine typically needs 1 inch of water per week. Turn on the sprinkler for 30 minutes. Augustine grass is only slightly drought resistant, so monitoring how much rain the lawn gets is very important. 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