As outlined in other articles about seeding in Saint Augustine lawns, there are several negative side effects which occur when Saint Augustine grass goes to seed. The main concerns are that the lawn becomes uncomfortable for people and pets to walk on, that the lawn no longer looks its best, and that the catcher on the lawn mower suddenly becomes much heavier when mowing a seeding Saint Augustine lawn.
However, these side effects of seeding in Saint Augustine grass can be lessened and reduced considerably with a few changes to our lawn care routines during these periods, as well as throughout the year.
While lawn seeding is quite normal and to be expected in Saint Augustine grass, the seeding period and its severity can be greatly reduced with good lawn care practices. This is mainly due to the fact that any lawn will go to seed more often and with greater severity if it is under stress from conditions such as lack of water or lack of nutrients.
Year Round Lawn Care
Good lawn care practices throughout the year will naturally reduce the severity and occurrence of seeding in Saint Augustine grass. These things mainly include adjusting watering for the seasons, watering in the mornings, applying quality fertilizers throughout the year, as well as regular lawn mowing.
These same year-round lawn care practices can also be applied whenever a Saint Augustine lawn is going to seed, and will reduce the length of time that seeding occurs.
Things To Do When Saint Augustine Lawns Begin Seeding
Just be aware that these lawn care practices will not stop a Saint Augustine lawn from seeding altogether, nor suddenly, but they will help in reducing the length of time that the lawn does seed.
On first signs of seeding, apply these lawn care tips to your Saint Augustine lawn:
Fertilization: - apply a good quality lawn fertilizer to the lawn at manufacturers recommendations for distribution rates. Do not apply more than recommended as this too can cause damage to the lawn and will not help the lawn health whatsoever. Ensure the fertilizer is watered into the lawn immediately after application.
Lawn Watering: - check the irrigation watering times for the lawn, and ensure the lawn is getting enough water for the season. A large divot can be dug from the lawn with the use of a garden spade, this will allow us to check deep into the soil profile to ensure the soil is moist throughout. If the soil is at all dry in the first 10 to 15 inches of depth, then irrigation times should be increased. Lawn watering should preferably be done in the morning.
Lawn Mowing: - begin more regular mowing of the Saint Augustine turf at the first signs of seeding, the cutting of the leaf will prompt the lawn to use its energy to repair the mowed grass leaf first, and to stop using its energy to produce seed. This also has the added benefits or removing the seed heads more frequently for the comfort of people and pets, but will also make lawn mowing much easier as the grass catcher won't become so heavy during mowing.
