SoLow Maintenance


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St. Augustine/SoLow - Maintenance Information

WATERING NEW SOD-
Water sod lightly after each 200 square feet are installed, to prevent wilting. After all the sod is down and rolled, turn on your sprinklers and let them run until the sod is good and soaked. To keep it that way, for the first week water until runoff begins once every few hours at 7 am, 11 am and 2 pm. During the second week water twice a day at 7 am and 2 pm. During the third week water all sod once a day at 7 am. Eventually taper back to once every two or three days. Adjust according to weather and season - water more frequently during warm or windy weather. Do not water new sod between 4 pm and 4 am.

WATERING ESTABLISHED SOD-
After your lawn has become established (approximately 6 to 8 weeks), water according to the following guidelines:

As infrequently as possible (once or twice a week in the cooler months, three or more times per week in the warmer months).
For as long as possible to get deep soil penetration (up to 30 minutes). It may be necessary to cycle irrigate if runoff occurs after just a short time water until runoff occurs, then stop and wait for the water to penetrate (usually 1 to 2 hours), then repeat.
As early as possible - first thing in the morning. Do not water between 4 pm and 4 am.
Do not water areas in the shade as frequently as the areas of your lawn that receive full sun.

In addition, be sure to watch for a blue-grey tint and limp areas of your lawn. This is not a fungus. It is caused by dehydration and is an indication that immediate watering is needed. This will usually occur on tops of mounds, or areas where sprinkler coverage is not adequate. (It is acceptable to water in full sun, it will not burn the blades.)

MOWING-
Mow St. Augustine weekly throughout its growing season. Mowing height may vary between 1 and 2 inches depending on preference. Never mow off more than 1/3 of the grass blade length at one time, since plant injury may result. Always remove grass clippings or use a mulching mower.

FERTILIZING-
Fertilize every month during the warm season. Make the first application in the spring when your lawn begins to recover from dormancy. During the warm growing season (March-Nov.) the amount of clippings generated when mowing will be a "tip-off" to your lawn's fertilizer needs. If you find there are less clippings than previous mowings, your lawn has slowed its growth and fertilizer is probably necessary. Use Marathon All Season Fertilizer. Follow label directions using the higher rates recommended for Marathon.

INSECTS & DISEASES-
St. Augustine is highly resistant to most insects and diseases. Chinch bugs, however, can be a potential problem. Yellow or brown patches may appear when these small insects attack. Damaging populations are usually most apparent after watering. Use Spectracide per label instructions or consult your nurseryman for other recommendations. If a disease problem is suspected, consult your nurseryman for specific fungicide recommendations.

DETHATCHING-
Generally St. Augustine will require renovation every two years as a result of building up a thick, spongy thatch. Use a vertical mower set a 1/4 to 1/2 inch to dethatch your lawn. Do not set machine lower than 1/4 inch. This should be done in the Spring After renovation, fertilize and water your lawn to speed up recovery.

DORMANCY-
St. Augustine will slow its growth in the Fall. When the first frost occurs your lawn will turn a straw-like yellow. Sometimes the grass blades may have red or purple streaks. During dormancy, water, fertilizer, and mowing will not be necessary. Green color can be artificially restored using a turf dye. Consult your nurseryman for product recommendations.


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