Dethatching St Augustine Grass
St Augustine grass happens to be one of the most sensitive types of grass. That being the case, it’s important to know exactly how to dethatch St Augustine grass before you get started. If you’re wondering what thatch is please read our article What is Lawn Thatch? We’ve also written a general article on dethatching, Thatch Removal – Dethatching, which is also worth a read if you’re considering undertaking this lawn maintenance chore.
Specifically related to St Augustine you need to consider a few different variables.
How do I know its time to dethach my St. Augustine grass?
If you have more than a half an inch of thatch, or decomposed plant material, its time to dethatch. If you examine your grass you should be able to determine if the grass is growing on soil or thatch. If its that latter you know what to do.
Do I need special equipment for St Augustion grass dethatching?
Yes! The power tool you rent to dethatch should have vertical blades. Its also critical you find vertical blades that are adjustable left to right, so you can put at minimum of 3″ between the blades. This ensure that the stolons aren’t cut permanently damaging your lawn.
When should I dethatch?
Only dethatch when your St Augustine is growing vigorously. This is usually in the June to July time frame.
What should I do after I’m done dethatching?
Once you’re done dethathing give your lawn a healthy dose of fertilizer and water as its been traumatized and needs some extra nutrients to recover.
Now that the thatch has been removed your St Augstine grass should flourish. All the restriction of air, water, and fertilizers are removed. Get that lawn mower blade sharpened!
I have St Augistine grass that, along with bermuda, has invaded and is attempting to take over my fescue in areas that are exposed to sunshine. I am in the Los Angeles area. I would love to find something that selectively kills bermuda and St Augistine grasses, but leaves the fescue alone. Unfortunately, I don’t believe such a chemical exists. If I am correct in this assumption, I would settle for just killing the St Augistines, and leaving the bermuda and fescue to battle it out! Is there anything that will help me in this effort?
My super nice St Augstine yard had thatch was becoming brittle but still flurished,was always nice and green,lots of money and energy invested in this lawn.We live in Largo Fl; Super hard freeze turned every thing super brown,weeds are already taking over because neighbors donot care about their lawns.Please is there anything I can put on my yard to help it during this hard time it is in? PS It never freezes here for two weeks maybe more.
HELP! I have an invasion of chinch bugs that are destroying my beautiful St. Augustine lawn. I know it needs dethatched, but after that, what else might help in my battle against these bugs that chow down on St. Augustine?
I also have large areas that have become totally invaded by Bermuda and am wondering the best way to get rid of the Bermuda without destroying the St. Augustine.
for dan turner. i had same problem on the bermuda invade i tryed it and it work for me was * SCOTT BONUS S * IT kill the weeds and bermunda also made my lawn nice green and spred where the bermunda was.
I have an area of my st Augustine lawn that has died and is matted. It’s about 20 by 20 ft in size. What is the best way to get the dead grass out and replace the area of the lawn?