You're probably aware of just how many different varieties of grass are suitable for lawn use. When it’s time to kick up your lawn care and start new growth, how do you decide which type is right for you? Well, if you live in a southern state you know you're probably best off with a warm-season grass, but which one?
These types of grasses are considered southern grasses because they thrive in warm states and lack the cold-weather hardiness of cool-season grasses. If you’re not sure whether or not you live in a state where warm-season grass is appropriate, or if you live in the tricky transitional grow zone, this map (under Turfgrass Types) can be helpful in deciding what types of grass will do well in your area.
So, you’ve determined that you live far enough south to warrant a grass species that loves the heat. You need a warm-season grass species and St. Augustinegrass is what you've decided on. St. Augustine comes in several different varieties or "cultivars" (cultivated-variety), including:
'Palmetto' is the type of grass you should choose if you live in a coastal or an island area. This type of grass likes full sun to partial shade, and it has an excellent green color. 'Palmetto' grass has a fine, soft texture, which makes for lower maintenance lawn care because it is resistant to thatch build-up and chinch bugs. While 'Palmetto' definitely prefers the warm weather, it is more cold-weather hardy than other types of St. Augustine. It can withstand temperatures as low as five degrees without showing too many signs of stress. Because this type of grass grows a massive root system beneath the soil, it requires less water to survive and thrive. A large root system means two things: less intensive lawn care, and more drought tolerance. Under the right conditions, and with a lawn care routine that is appropriate to this variety of St. Augustinegrass, including the use of liquid lawn care products, you will have a beautiful, lush, green lawn.
If 'palmetto' sounds like a dream, you’re not wrong. But it’s essential to make sure that your location has the appropriate growing conditions. While it is more drought-tolerant and has excellent resistance to bugs and thatch, it is still a living organism that needs maintenance through proper lawn care. The use of liquid lawn care products can make your lawn care routine easy and keep your Florida Palmetto grass as happy as it can be.
Not unlike other types of grass, there are some lawn care steps you can take before you seed with 'palmetto' to ensure a lush lawn full of turfgrass. Liquid lawn care is the most efficient way to achieve this. Before planting grass, the first step is to perform a soil test that you can purchase at your local home improvement store. Seeds require plenty of phosphorus to facilitate root mass production, try a fertilizer like 6-18-0.
Following the pre-lawn care steps mentioned above, you’re ready to seed your lawn.
Now that your 'palmetto' turf has established itself, your lawn care will now include:
When it comes to feeding your grass, there are a couple of different products you can use; granular or liquid. We recommend liquid lawn care for these reasons:
Starting a new lawn can be a long, tedious process. From choosing your species and variety of grass to maintaining the green through regular lawn care, it’s a chore that if you don’t stay on top of, things can quickly get out of control. But, a beautiful lawn that is the envy of the town is your reward for all the hard work you put into maintaining that yard. We at Simple Lawn Solutions are here to help you achieve your lawn care goals!
Want to use Palmetto St Augustine, area is shaded also root bound. Need to prep soil what is best? Likely will plug bad areas. Planned for March.
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Grass that has the right concentration of nitrogen will look lush and green, grow strong and fast, and appear thick and healthy. If your lawn is lacking nitrogen, it will be readily apparent to the naked eye. Nitrogen deficiencies cause the grass to appear discolored — such as yellow or orange, be smaller or stunted in growth, and each blade may have an unusual shape. Your lawn may also appear patchy or uneven.
Whether you’re just getting started growing a brand-new lawn or you’re looking to treat problem areas in your backyard, there are a variety of products that can help you create the beautiful green oasis you’ve been dreaming of.
Weed removal is not an easy feat. To make this lawn care task less overwhelming, consider breaking up the areas of your lawn into sections and every week tackling one section at a time. A phased approach will make weed removal more manageable. Later on, we will discuss proper weed removal and disposal to prevent further seeding and spread of grass weeds.
Simple Lawn Solutions
January 01, 2021
Hello David, we recommend first obtain a soil test. Since the area is root bound, you may want to consider adding some topsoil to these areas if you are planning on planting the grass close to the root zone. Soil Hume and Root Hume are great for helping the grass get the most nutrients from the soil. Depending on if there is a nutrient deficiency will determine what fertilizer is best. Once you lay the sod, water deeply to encourage deep root growth. Please reach out to us at hello@simplelawnsolutions.com with any other questions. Happy New Year!