St Augustine Turf Grass has been around for a long long time. Literally hundreds of years. It originated in the Bahamas and was an excellent grass for both grazing and for a turf grass or a lawn grass. It is relatively hardy and it can withstand the very moist climates of the Caribbean Islands and the Gulf Coast Region.
Because of it's tropical nature St Augustine Turf Grass just fits in with the tropical landscape designs of South Texas and along the Gulf Coast. It is an excellent turf grass to use in swimming pool landscapes and combined with palm trees and tropical landscape shrubs it creates a glamorous setting for your yard and home. Some tips on how to grow Perfect St Augustine Grass.
Although St Augustine Turf Grass is not as hardy as Tiff 419 Bermuda grass in the drier inland communities it is still the choice of grass among home owners. Why? Because of its beauty. It is just a very good looking Turf grass and makes ones swimming pool area feel like it is down in the islands.
Disease Common to St Augustine Turf Grass
St Augustine Turf Grass does have some problems with chinch bugs and grub worms. These can be pesty at times. The grub worms are the larva of the June Bug which lay their eggs at night under lighted areas. By July the grubs are pretty well developed and if not controlled they can cause some pretty severe damage to your lawn.
Chinch Bugs are little tiny bugs that nibble along the runners of the St Augustine Turf Grass and they too can cause severe damage if not controlled. Once they have infested your yard they will take vital energy away from the runners and cause the grass to go into a decline state. Chinch Bug Damage Control
There are treatments that will solve these pesty problems in your yard and so they are not a real threat. But, if you do not treat them early they can cause damage to your lawn. So it is a good idea top either treat them yourself (be sure and read the labels on the treatment package or bottle it is a poison) Or you can have a lawn expert take care of it for you. Either way you should have it done at least once a year.
One problem that can occur which there is no cure for is St Augustine decline SAD. It is a virus that attacks the grass and is systemic. It can be confused for iron deficiency because of the way the grass yellows from the effects of SAD.
All in all St Augustine Turf Grass is one of the prettiest turf grasses you can have. With a little tinder love and care it will give your yard that tropical paradise look that will be the envy of the neighborhood. Take care of it and it will take care of you. It will increase the value of your home and of your neighborhood.
