St Augustine grass in Texas is a lawn favorite for good reason. Its thick, carpet-like growth handles heat, humidity, and moderate shade better than many other warm-season grasses like Bermuda grass in Texas and Centipede grass. But if you’re in Texas, you already know this climate isn’t gentle, brutal heat waves, erratic rainfall, and stubborn weeds can make lawn care a challenge.
In This Article
My first experience with St Augustine grass was in Central Texas. I learned quickly that what worked in St Augustine Grass Florida or the Carolinas didn’t quite apply here. Timing was everything, and small details like morning watering or the right fertilizer blend made all the difference.
This guide shares everything I’ve learned from planting and maintenance to the best weed control techniques specific to our Texas conditions. Whether you’re starting from scratch or trying to revive a patchy lawn, these tips will help you get it right the first time. With proper care and local know-how, your lawn can stay green and healthy year-round.
Why Choose St Augustine Grass in Texas?
St. Augustine grass in Texas offers an excellent combination of drought tolerance and shade resistance, making it ideal for homeowners across various Texas regions from the Gulf Coast to Central Texas. Its wide blades and dense growth habit crowd out many common weeds naturally.
From my experience in the Houston suburbs, its resilience really shines after intense storms. The grass bounces back quickly when many others suffer from fungal issues or root rot. That said, it’s important to recognize and address common St Augustine grass problems early to keep it healthy year-round.
It’s also relatively low-maintenance compared to Bermuda or Zoysia when it comes to mowing and edging. Still, not all St. Augustine is the same. You’ll want to look into cultivars suited for your region. Palmetto and Raleigh are top picks for Texas lawns. Palmetto thrives in heat and handles drought, while Raleigh does better in cooler zones with more rainfall. Choose based on your soil and light exposure for best results.
Best Time to Plant St Augustine Grass in Texas
The best time to plant St Augustine grass in Texas is late spring through early summer, ideally when soil temperatures reach 70°F. Texas weather swings can trick you one year, I planted too early in March and ended up re-sodding after a surprise cold snap.
Stick to late April through June, when warm nights and consistent sunshine help roots establish. Sod is the most common method, as St. Augustine doesn’t produce viable seed for most homeowners. You might see bags labeled “St Augustine grass seed Texas,” but these often contain filler or are meant for research, not lawns.
For a complete step-by-step approach, don’t miss our in-depth guide on St Augustine Grass perfect for Texas homeowners who want lush, resilient lawns that survive the heat.
For success, clear your lawn of weeds and debris first. Lay sod on freshly watered, well-tilled soil. Press it down to remove air pockets and water deeply. Avoid foot traffic for a couple of weeks. If you’re doing this in high heat, mulch the seams lightly to retain moisture.
St Augustine Grass Calendar Texas
Having a St Augustine grass calendar in Texas takes the guesswork out of lawn care. You’ll know what to expect and when to act from mowing and watering to fertilizing and dealing with weeds.
In my own lawn in San Antonio, keeping a laminated calendar by the tool rack was a game-changer. It helped me stay ahead of issues like brown patch or thatch buildup. Here’s a practical month-by-month calendar to help keep your St. Augustine grass thriving:
| Month | Lawn Care Tasks |
| Jan–Feb | Minimal activity. Water only if needed. Avoid traffic on frozen grass. |
| Mar | Aerate soil. Apply pre-emergent herbicide. Mow as needed. |
| Apr–May | Begin fertilizing lightly. Mow regularly. Watch for weeds and insects. |
| Jun–Aug | Deep watering 1–2 times/week. Mow every 5–7 days. Treat for chinch bugs. |
| Sep | Apply final fertilizer. Spot treat weeds. Begin reducing mowing frequency. |
| Oct–Nov | Apply winterizer fertilizer. Keep mowing if grass is still growing. |
| Dec | Water sparingly during dry spells. Avoid overworking dormant grass. |
Following this schedule gives your lawn consistency. Whether it’s switching to a higher mow setting in July or applying your last fertilizer in September, every step plays into long-term health. I’ve noticed far fewer weed outbreaks and more even color since sticking to this rhythm.
When and How to Water St Augustine Grass in Texas
The best time to water St Augustine grass in Texas is early morning ideally before 9 a.m.to prevent evaporation and fungal diseases. Water deeply but infrequently: 1 to 1.5 inches per week, including rainfall.
I used to water every day until a turf specialist told me about root depth. Less frequent, deeper watering encourages strong roots. Now I water twice a week and use a screwdriver to test if the soil’s dry more than 3 inches deep, it’s time.
Adjust watering based on your region. In South Texas, more frequent watering might be needed in summer, while in North Texas, rainfall could supplement much of your needs. Smart irrigation controllers or rain sensors are great tools to avoid overwatering.
Fertilizer Schedule for St Augustine Grass in Texas
Developing a fertilizer schedule for St Augustine grass in Texas means giving your lawn the right nutrients at the right times. A well-fed lawn will grow thicker, greener, and more resistant to stress.
Here’s a seasonal fertilizer breakdown I personally follow for my Central Texas lawn:
| Month | Fertilizer Task |
| March | Apply light nitrogen to wake up dormant grass. Watch for cold snaps. |
| April | Full feeding with slow-release (15-5-10). Boosts spring growth. |
| June | Apply a second round of balanced fertilizer. Optional iron supplement. |
| August | Final fertilizer before temps drop. Iron helps prevent yellowing. |
| October | Apply winterizer high in potassium to prep for dormancy. |
My lawn had chronic yellowing until I added iron sulfate every summer especially important in alkaline Central Texas soils. Also, switching to a sulfur-coated urea helped me reduce thatch and promote more consistent color.
Always water fertilizers within 24 hours to avoid burning the grass. And don’t overdo it, more isn’t better. Keeping a calendar helped me stay consistent and avoid overlap or missed applications.
St Augustine Grass in Texas: Killing Weeds Effectively
Keeping weeds out of St Augustine grass in Texas takes timing, the right products, and a little persistence. Here’s how I tackle the worst offenders in my East Texas lawn:
- Dollarweed thrives in moist areas, especially around sprinklers. I reduced my watering frequency and swapped to lower-angle nozzles to limit soil saturation. That simple change cut down its presence dramatically.
- Crabgrass often pops up in bare patches or where mowing is too low. I now mow at 3.5 to 4 inches, which shades the soil and prevents germination. Pre-emergents applied in February and September also keep it at bay.
- Clover is sneaky and spreads fast. Spot-treating with a post-emergent herbicide safe for St. Augustine is key. I use a hand pump sprayer to ensure precision and avoid damaging surrounding turf.
- Dandelions and spurge are tougher once established. I’ve had success using a targeted post-emergent with atrazine, applied on cool, calm mornings. I always test a small patch first since St. Augustine can be sensitive.
Tips for overall success:
- Avoid “weed and feed” unless it’s made specifically for St. Augustine grass.
- Keep your mowing height consistent.
- Stick to seasonal applications of pre- and post-emergents.
This balanced approach has made my lawn fuller, greener, and far less prone to weed takeovers year-round.
How to Get Rid of Weeds in St Augustine Grass in Texas
Weeds creeping into St Augustine grass in Texas often signals stress beneath the surface compacted soil, overwatering, or mowing too low. I learned this the hard way when my lawn in Waco got overtaken by spurge and chickweed one spring. The culprit? I’d been scalping the lawn too short, leaving bare patches exposed to invaders.
The first step is restoring your lawn’s strength, not just spraying chemicals. I raised my mowing height to 3.5 inches and watered only when the top three inches of soil dried out. That helped my turf thicken naturally, which made it harder for weeds to get a foothold.
Here’s what’s worked best for me over the years:
- Apply corn gluten meal in February or early March as a natural pre-emergent. It’s pet-safe, feeds the lawn gently, and stops weeds before they start.
- Hand-pull weeds after a rain or deep soak. The roots come out cleaner, and I avoid chemical exposure entirely.
- Overseed bare patches with fresh plugs or lay small sod squares in thinning areas to block new weed growth.
- Using targeted post-emergents I stick with atrazine-based sprays that are labeled safe for St. Augustine, and only spot-spray using a hand pump for control.
- Edge and mulch problem zones where grass struggles to grow, like under trees or along stone paths.
What made the biggest difference? Patience. Weeds won’t disappear overnight, but by sticking with a solid routine and avoiding shortcuts, I saw major improvement in just one season. The denser and healthier the lawn becomes, the less room weeds have to thrive. It’s a slow win, but a lasting one.
Types of Weeds in St Augustine Grass in Texas
Knowing the types of weeds that invade St Augustine grass in Texas helps you handle each one properly. I’ve spent seasons battling a wide variety of them, and each has its own habits, strengths, and weaknesses. Here’s a closer look at the most common ones I’ve dealt with:
- Broadleaf weeds: These include clover, dandelion, and spurge. They’re easily recognizable with wide leaves and low-growing stems. I often see clover popping up in under-fertilized lawns. Dandelions are wind-spread, while spurge shows up fast in stressed areas.
- Grassy weeds: Crabgrass and dallisgrass are some of the toughest. Crabgrass germinates in early spring and takes over bare spots quickly. Dallisgrass is coarser, forms unsightly clumps, and thrives in compacted soil.
- Sedges: Nutsedge, or “water grass,” is my personal nemesis. It looks like grass but grows faster and stands taller. I struggled with it for two years until I finally addressed poor drainage in one section of the yard. Once the moisture issue was handled, control became much easier.
If you’re unsure about what’s growing, snap a picture and take it to your local extension office or nursery. Correct identification is half the battle especially when choosing the right herbicide or control method.
In my own lawn, adjusting mowing height and improving drainage knocked down nearly 70% of weed pressure. Once you know what you’re fighting, you can create a smart plan and stop weeds before they spread.
St Augustine Grass in Texas Mowing and Edging Tips
Mowing St Augustine grass in Texas is more than just cutting done wrong, it weakens the lawn. Keep mower blades sharp and set at 3.5 to 4 inches. Taller grass shades soil, discourages weeds, and retains moisture.
Never cut more than one-third of the blade at once. I rotate mowing patterns weekly to prevent soil compaction. For edging, use a string trimmer vertically around sidewalks and flower beds; it creates a clean line without scalping.
Don’t bag clippings unless disease is present. Mulched clippings return nutrients to the soil and reduce fertilizer needs.
Managing St Augustine Grass in Texas Through the Seasons
Managing St Augustine grass in Texas requires seasonal awareness. Each season impacts watering, mowing, and fertilization differently.
Spring: Aerate and fertilize lightly. Begin mowing regularly. Summer: Water deeply, mow high, and watch for bugs like chinch bugs and grubs. Fall: Apply final fertilizer. Keep mowing until growth slows. Winter: Let it rest. Water only during dry spells.
I’ve found that prepping one season ahead makes transitions smoother. For example, in early fall I apply a potassium-rich fertilizer to toughen up the grass for winter.
Final Thoughts
Mastering St Augustine grass in Texas is less about perfection and more about consistency. Once you understand your region’s weather patterns, soil type, and grass behavior, it gets easier.
Personally, I’ve learned to respect the rhythm of the grass. Rushing things overwatering, overfeeding, or cutting too low always backfires. Instead, I’ve found that small, steady efforts lead to the best long-term results.
So whether you’re battling weeds, laying new sod, or simply fine-tuning your routine, remember that Texas lawns demand a regional approach. Trust your observation, adjust your timing, and you’ll grow a lawn that’s both resilient and beautiful. If you’re located further east or want to understand how this grass thrives in coastal climates, check out our guide on St Augustine Grass Florida to learn how it’s managed in humid, subtropical conditions.
References
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Maintaining St. Augustine grass Lawns
University of Florida IFAS Extension – St. Augustine Grass for Florida Lawns
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Home Lawn Watering Guide