Weekly St. Augustine Grass Maintenance Guide
Winter Dormancy (Weeks 1-10)
Week 1: Begin the year by cleaning up any debris from the lawn. Check for compacted soil and consider aeration if needed.
Week 2: Inspect for signs of winter damage. Avoid heavy foot traffic on dormant grass.
Week 3: Check pH levels; if high, apply sulfur at 5 lbs per 1,000 sq. ft. to lower pH.
Week 4: Rake up any thatch buildup. Lightly mow if necessary, keeping height at least 3 inches.
Week 5: Apply pre-emergent to prevent weed germination.
Week 6: Monitor soil moisture and water deeply if needed.
Week 7: Check for early signs of insect activity. Spot treat weeds as necessary.
Week 8: Begin mowing regularly as growth resumes. Keep height at 3.5 inches.
Week 9: Inspect lawn for areas of compaction and consider aeration.
Week 10: Lightly topdress with compost to improve soil health.
Spring Growth (Weeks 11-20)
Week 11: Monitor for signs of fungal diseases. Adjust watering schedule to avoid excess moisture.
Week 12: Check irrigation system for proper coverage.
Week 13: Apply an iron application to enhance color and growth.
Week 14: Spot-treat weeds as necessary. Keep mowing height at 3.5 inches.
Week 15: Fertilize with 16-8-8.
Week 16: Monitor for pest activity and treat as necessary.
Week 17: Apply fungicide as a preventative measure.
Week 18: Apply insecticide (grub control).
Week 19: Fertilize with 16-8-8.
Week 20: Apply pre-emergent.
Peak Growing Season (Weeks 21-35)
Week 21: Maintain mowing height at 3.5 inches. Water deeply as temperatures rise.
Week 22: Check for chinch bugs and other summer pests.
Week 23: Apply Hou-Actinite (organic sludge base with 5% iron) to improve soil health.
Week 24: Continue proper mowing and watering practices.
Week 25: Monitor for heat stress and adjust irrigation as necessary.
Week 26: Keep mowing height at 3.5 inches; avoid cutting too short.
Week 27: Spot-treat weeds if needed. Water early in the morning to prevent evaporation.
Week 28: Maintain healthy mowing height and deep, infrequent watering.
Week 29: Continue pest monitoring. Avoid excessive foot traffic on stressed lawns.
Week 30: Apply Hou-Actinite (organic sludge base with 5% iron).
Week 31: Check for fungal issues and apply fungicide if needed.
Week 32: Keep mowing height at 3.5 inches. Irrigate deeply during hot periods.
Week 33: Inspect lawn for signs of stress and adjust watering as needed.
Week 34: Continue mowing, watering, and monitoring for pests.
Week 35: Apply pre-emergent to prevent Fall weed germination.
Transition to Fall (Weeks 36-45)
Week 36: Fertilize with 21-7-14.
Week 37: Apply fungicide as a preventative measure.
Week 38: Continue regular mowing and watering schedule.
Week 39: Watch for early Fall pests and apply treatment as necessary.
Week 40: Reduce mowing frequency as growth slows.
Week 41: Inspect for weeds and apply spot treatments if needed.
Week 42: Monitor lawn health and adjust watering schedule for cooler temperatures.
Week 43: Prepare lawn for dormancy by maintaining healthy soil conditions.
Week 44: Fertilize with 21-7-14 to support winter hardiness.
Week 45: Keep lawn free of fallen leaves and debris.
Winter Dormancy Returns (Weeks 46-52)
Week 46: Reduce watering as temperatures drop.
Week 47: Avoid excessive foot traffic on dormant or semi-dormant grass.
Week 48: Continue general lawn cleanup and maintenance.
Week 49: Ensure proper drainage in the lawn to avoid winter damage.
Week 50: Final mowing of the year if needed. Keep height at 3 inches.
Week 51: Prepare equipment for winter storage. Clean mower and sharpen blades.
Week 52: Plan for next season’s lawn care and maintenance.
Seasonal Mowing Height:
- June & July: Raise mowing height to 4 inches to reduce heat stress.
- Other months: Maintain mowing height at 3–3.5 inches as needed.