St Augustine grass demands steady feeding to maintain lush color, strong roots, and good weed resistance in warm climates. This guide highlights top fertilizers tailored to St Augustine lawns and helps you compare formulations, application methods, and coverage. Below is a quick overview of the five products most relevant for St Augustine lawns, followed by detailed sections and a practical buying guide.
| Product | Brand | Type | Approx. Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilome (13917) St. Augustine Weed & Feed | ferti-lome | Combination weed control + fertilizer | 25.6 lbs cover variable area |
| St Augustine Grass Fertilizer — Liquid 8 oz | TPS NUTRIENTS | Liquid fertilizer | 8 oz bottle coverage area varies |
| St Augustine Grass Fertilizer — Liquid 32 oz | TPS NUTRIENTS | Liquid fertilizer | 32 oz bottle coverage area varies |
| SeedRanch St. Augustine Lawn 24-2-11 Fertilizer | Lesco | Granular fertilizer with 24-2-11 | 50 lbs bag, 12,000 sq ft coverage |
| Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food (All Grass Types) | Scotts | Granular lawn fertilizer | 5,000 sq ft coverage |
Choosing the right fertilizer for St Augustine grass depends on your climate, soil conditions, and whether you prefer granular or liquid products. The selections below emphasize formulations that support St Augustine growth, color, and root development while controlling common weeds in warm-season lawns.
Fertilome St. Augustine Weed & Feed
The Fertilome (13917) St. Augustine Weed & Feed blends pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control with a 15-0-4 fertilizer mix. It is designed for Centipede, Zoysia, and St. Augustine lawn types, making it a practical choice for integrated weed management in warm-season lawns. The product is not intended for Bermuda grasses or certain Northern grasses, so check compatibility with your yard before use. Applications are suitable for both wet and dry conditions, and the formulation aims to promote lawn recovery after heat stress and typical summer damages while suppressing broadleaf and grassy weeds.
St Augustine Grass Fertilizer — Liquid 8 oz
TPS Nutients offers a liquid, customizable plant food formulated for thick, vibrant St Augustine lawns. This 8-ounce bottle is designed for easy application and even coverage, supporting lush green growth and stronger root systems. Liquid formulations can provide quicker nutrient availability compared to granular products, which is useful for addressing specific nutrient deficiencies or rapid greening needs. Follow label directions for dilution and spray coverage to avoid scorch on hot days.
St Augustine Grass Fertilizer — Liquid 32 oz
This 32-ounce liquid fertilizer from TPS Nutrients expands on the 8-ounce formula with greater volume for larger lawns or broader coverage. The product emphasizes a custom formula crafted for thick, vibrant St Augustine turf and root strength. Like other liquid products, it enables quick nutrient uptake and even distribution across the lawn when used with a sprayer, making it suitable for regular maintenance or targeted feeding during peak growth periods.
SeedRanch St. Augustine Lawn 24-2-11 Fertilizer
SeedRanch’s St. Augustine Lawn 24-2-11 fertilizer is a granular option that includes 6% Iron for improved greening. It covers up to 12,000 square feet and is formulated to supply nutrients specifically for St Augustine lawns, promoting robust growth and color. The 24-2-11 NPK ratio supports steady, balanced feeding suitable for ongoing lawn maintenance through the growing season. Always follow the product’s schedule to optimize results and avoid over-application.
Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food — All Grass Types
Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food is designed for all grass types, delivering nutrients to build strong, deep roots and improve water and nutrient absorption. This granular fertilizer can be applied to both wet and dry lawns, making it versatile for varying weather conditions. While marketed for all grasses, it supports St Augustine lawns by promoting resilience and feeding that helps grass recover from heat and drought stress during the growing season. It’s a solid, widely available option for general lawn maintenance and nutrient replenishment.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations and Comparisons
When selecting a fertilizer for St Augustine grass, consider the following factors to ensure you choose the best fit for your yard:
- NPK Ratio: St Augustine benefits from balanced blends (nitrogen-rich in the first number) that support leaf growth and root development. For weed control, consider products with weed preventers or herbicidal components, but avoid combinations that can harm the grass or interfere with seasonal growth.
- Formulation Type: Granular fertilizers provide slow-release feeding and longer-lasting effects, while liquid formulations offer quicker nutrient uptake. For large lawns or quick greening after stress, liquids can be advantageous; for routine maintenance, granular products are often more convenient.
- Weed Control Needs: If you’re dealing with broadleaf or grassy weeds in warm-season lawns, weed-and-feed products can be convenient but check compatibility with St Augustine and nearby grass types. Some products are not suitable for certain grasses.
- Seasonality: Fall applications help with root development ahead of winter and prepare the lawn for spring recovery. Spring and summer fertilization promote growth and color during active seasons but may require more frequent applications.
- Soil and Watering: Test soil pH and nutrient levels to tailor feeding. Apply according to label directions, and water after application if required by the product to minimize burn and ensure nutrient uptake.
- Application Tools: For liquids, use a sprayer for even coverage. For granulars, use a spreader and follow the recommended rate per 1,000 square feet to avoid over- or under-fertilization.
- Safety and Compatibility: Ensure the product is labeled for St Augustine grass or warm-season lawns. Avoid products containing ingredients that may harm your specific lawn type or local turf regulations.
- Coverage and Bag Size: Choose a bag size that matches your lawn area. Larger bags can be more cost-effective, but verify coverage per bag and plan multiple applications if needed.
In practice, combining a weed-management approach with regular feeding, adapted to your climate and seasonal growth, yields the best results for St Augustine lawns. Always follow label instructions and consider soil testing to refine your fertilizer plan over time.