Prior to summer 2023 my lawn was your typical St. Augustine lawn. I did Scott’s turf builder every other month and twice a year I would do Scott’s Weed and Feed (typically March and September). In summer 2023 the heat wave and lack of rain decimated the yard. Since then weeds have taken over. I’ve weeded by hand and used weed and feed but they seem to be permanent. I haven’t been fertilizing like I used to because I don’t want to fertilize the weeds. Just looking for any general advice to get my grass back.
This post is prompted by an HOA notice lol.
by cobo10201
4 Comments
FUCK HOA’s
You either have two avenues here: sod or seed. Sod will be the quickest way to bring your lawn back to acceptable HOA levels. However seed would be the best result and cheaper overall.
I’d first recommend you spray a selective broadleaf herbicide such as Par3 to kill whatever weeds you can. Once the weeds are under control, you can make your decision of seed or sod. For sod, I’d remove all the old grass, till the existing soil to loosen it up, lay down about 2 inches of good compost soil and rake it out to make the soil even. Now lay the sod and stagger it accordingly like flooring. Water it according to the producer’s instructions and you’ll be set in a few weeks.
For seed, it’ll be a bit harder but with better results. As like above, first get your weeds under control. You’ll want to cut your lawn around 1.5 inches to set up your lawn for the top dressing. After you’ll get some quality top dressing (sand/soil mixture) and lay it down evenly on the lawn (aiming for about 1 inch here give or take). Now you’ll want to grab some seed from a local store that is best for your climate and spread that with a orbital spreader according to their recommendations. Now roll that with a rolling drums to ensure the seed is properly seated in the soil and wont blow away. Lastly, you’ll want to apply some starter fertilizer to help your lawn kickstart the growth.
Since HOAs are generally annoying, I’d probably go for sod to make your life easier. Cheers and hope all goes well.
First step is to get a post emergent that is labeled for St Augustine. Get a liquid herbicide not weed and feed. Apply a preemergent as well.
Second: get a soil test.
Lastly, follow the recommendations from the Texas A&M extension service. https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/asset-external/maintaining-st-augustinegrass-lawns/
Spray Image for southern lawns. Still fertilize! It’s important. You want to fertilize the weeds so they consume the weed killer. Most importantly ensure you’re watering correctly.