What Is The Easiest Grass to Grow In Florida

Have you wondered what is the easiest grass to grow in Florida in this article I’ll tell you all about it, we talk about the importance of grass in your garden or backyard and the best Florida grass you can have?

Our favorite grass to grow in Florida is the Zoysia. It’s very durable, especially against the hot climate of Florida. We get the Scotts Turf Builder Zoysia Grass Seed. It’s mixed with a little bit of mulch which helps protect the seeds from heat.

What is the Importance of Grass in Florida?

If you live in an apartment, you probably don’t give much thought to grass. It’s just the green backdrop to your on-the-go life.

But as soon as you plop down a deposit on your own piece of suburbia, strange thoughts start running through your mind. In the suburban world, the grass seems very important, and you’re consumed by its mysteries.

Why does your neighbor’s lawn glow deep green, like a rolling golf course, while yours withers to a brown mess, overrun by weeds? What makes perfect grass perfect?

What do you need to do to maintain a beautiful lawn, short of shelling out hundreds of dollars to a professional lawn care service?

The grass is the common name for the Gramineae family of plants. With more than 9,000 known species, this family is one of the largest on Earth.

The grass is extremely important to most people’s lives, whether they know it or not. For one thing, grass is a major food source all over the world.

Rice, corn and oats come from grass plants, for example, and most livestock animals feed primarily on grasses.

In some parts of the world, people use grass plants in construction (bamboo is a grass, for example), and wherever it grows, grass plays a vital role in curbing erosion. Grass is also used to make sugar, liquor, bread and plastics, among many other things.

Grasses have a very simple structure, and a very simple way of life. You can better grasp what grass needs when you understand how it actually functions in the world.

At the base of the grass plant, roots grow down into the earth. Typically, grass roots are fibrous, or threadlike. They extend into the soil like fingers, collecting nutrients, soaking up water and securing the plant to the ground.

What is the easiest grass to grow in Florida

Florida zoysia grass

Zoysia is a very tough grass variety that can tolerate heat, drought, heavy traffic, and other challenges. In its optimal growing zones, this herb can provide a spectacular lawn with very little maintenance. If Zoysia’s grass meets your expectations and the climate of your garden, you will have found the ideal option.

Characteristics of the Zoysia

It is a grass with a warm climate with some tolerance to cold

Prefer the sun but can tolerate a little shade

Tolerates heat and drought

Supports slightly saline soils

It has a dense growth that supports intense trampling

It is a low maintenance lawn

What climate is appropriate to plant Zoysia

The Japanese Zoysia is native to China, Japan, and other areas of Southeast Asia.

It is what is known as warm season grass, because its active growth begins with the warm temperatures of late spring and peaks in the torrid heat of summer.

Zoysia is perennial and maintains itself year after year when grown in appropriate climates. In Spain it adapts perfectly to the warm climate of the south and the Mediterranean, and gives good results in transition areas, provided that there are no very strong or persistent frosts.

Its great tolerance to heat and moderate resistance to cold allow to plant Zoysia where other tussocks fail.

How to plant Zoysia

As with other types of grass, there are two ways to get your floor upholstered in green.

The most common and also the most economical way is to do it by sowing the seeds and waiting for the plant to germinate, grow and spread.

There is a second option, which is becoming more popular every day, which is to do it using turf or bread. Breads are pieces of overgrown grass that are bought in square pieces or rolls, like a carpet, and spread on the ground.

This option is ideal for those in a hurry and no problem with making the timely payment, as it is much more expensive.

Sow Zoysia seeds

Zoysia japonica is the only variety that can be found available in seeds. Other varieties, such as teunifolia, only by division of rhizomes or sod.

The seeds of Zoysia japónica need a minimum temperature of 18ºC in the soil to germinate and lose color below 10ºC. It is advisable to do it in late spring, when the soil temperature is around 20ºC.

If you read the article in which we talked about grass, you will know that this type of grass should be planted facing the good weather. With the cold it goes into dormancy and if it does when it is germinating it can spoil.

Zoysia germinates and grows more slowly than other herbs, it takes almost a month to germinate with temperatures above 20ºC. For this reason, many choose to install sod or bread, a much faster alternative to obtain a green meadow of Zoysia japonica in a short time; but also much more expensive.

Planting Zoysia in sods

In turf you can find other different varieties of zoysia, such as Zoysia teunifolia or matrella.

The sods are pre-cultivated grass rugs and their advantage is that the grass is spread on the ground immediately and permanently.

Planting Zoysia japonica in sod can be done at any time of the year, but it is always advisable to do it when the temperatures are not too cold to allow time for the plants to acclimatize well to their new location.

Drought tolerance of Zoysia japonica

Zoysia can keep up well with little water, but as long as it is well established.

Freshly planted or freshly sown Zoysia should be watered daily for the first year during the warm seasons: spring, summer, and fall.

In winter you can water a little less, depending on whether or not it is dormant. After the first year the grass will have taken root and the watering frequency can be gradually lowered.

The minimum frequency of irrigation will vary from the climate of the place, the type of soil and the time of year. But in the middle of summer you can last a single watering a week or even less.

Symptoms of excess or lack of water in Zoysia’s lawn

When the Zoysia lacks water, the leaves become thinner, twisted and straw-like in appearance.

Zoysia is a slow growing grass. If you have too much watering, we will notice it because you have to mow too often.

Zoysia Lawn Maintenance

The Zoysia grass settles down more slowly than other grass varieties, but forms a very dense mat on the ground.

It spreads through above ground stems called stolons and underground stems called rhizomes, weaving a network so dense that few weeds succeed in thriving among the established Japanese Zoysia.

As with all grasses, the color of Zoysia during the growing season is intermediate green and turns yellowish or brown when winter dormancy enters. Still, it stays green much longer than the others.

In spring it is one of the first herbs to green.

The root system of the Zoysia is deep, a characteristic that allows it to find moisture and resist drought.

During short periods without water, the grass stays green.

If the lack of humidity and heat persist, the Zoysia turns brown and straw, but recovers when watering is resumed. Zoysia likes to grow in full sun, but tolerates light shade, unlike other grasses that only grow in the sun.

Zoysia care

Due to Zoysia’s dense growth habit, the grass tends to develop a lot of felt, that thick layer of organic matter that accumulates between grass plants and soil.

Aeration and scarification of the Zoysia lawn should be done in early spring, just before the return to the growing period. In this way the grass recovers to the maximum in the shortest time.

Zoysia’s lawns have enough water to grow well with weekly watering. This irrigation should be deep to stimulate deep root growth, making them resistant to drought.

On sandy soils (they retain little water) some extra watering may be necessary during the summer. Zoysia is a slow growing herb and does not need very frequent cuts, it is recommended to cut when necessary to maintain a height between 2.5 and 4 cm.

Fertilize the Zoysia

Zoysia japonica is not very demanding on the soil and grows well in soils where other types of grass would need more nutrients.

Zoysia will generally suffice with one application of fertilizer in spring and autumn. Soil pH should be between 5 and 7 to optimize nutrient availability.

If the ground is too acidic, it will be necessary to carry out an alkaline amendment. If it has a lot of lime, we must correct it with iron sulfate and contributions of organic matter.

I hope you find this information useful. If you want a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, drought-resistant green grass lawn for your garden, Zoysia japanica is a good choice.

Zoysia grass seed

Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Zoysia Grass:

Turf Builder 5 lbs. Zoysia Grass Seed and Mulch thrives in heat and drought conditions. This grass seed grows a tough and durable lawn. It is 99.9% weed free.

Grows a tough, durable, low-maintenance lawn
Combination grass seed and mulch
99.9% weed free grass seed
Medium bladed texture with medium to high drought tolerance
Coverage – up to 2,000 sq. ft. overseeding or up to 665 sq. ft. new lawn

Buy here

Bahia grass in Florida

Bahiagrass is valued for outstanding drought and heat tolerance and an ability to thrive where many lawn grasses falter.

Its use in lawns occurs in a very limited region of the southeastern United States. Within this area, Bahiagrass produces a relatively durable, low-growing, low-maintenance turf.

When your lawn goals, location and soil complement Bahia’s natural preferences, this resilient grass may be an excellent choice.

BAHIAGRASS AT A GLANCE

warm-season grass
prefers full sun
suitable for Deep South and Gulf Coast lawns
drought- and heat-tolerant
low water and nutrient requirements

Bahiagrass basics

Bahiagrass was brought to the United States in 1914 for use as a pasture grass in the Southeast.

This South American native is still used extensively in agriculture, conservation and erosion control programs.As its origin suggests, Bahia is a warm-season grass.

Its most active growth occurs from late spring through the hot summer months. In its proper climate, this perennial grass persists year after year.

A naturally deep root system makes Bahiagrass very drought tolerant, even in sandy soils common to the Southeast.

Its natural texture is coarser than many regional grasses, particularly cool-season grasses common in northern zones.

Though Bermudagrass has greater drought tolerance in sand, few other warm-season grasses match Bahia on this strength.

Bahiagrass prefers full sun, but tolerates limited shade better than Bermuda. It also has better tolerance for poorly drained soils.

Since its pasture-grass beginnings, some Bahiagrass varieties have been singled out for lawn use in the heat- and humidity-prone Southeast.

Its lawn use extends from Florida through the southern Coastal Plans and the Texas Gulf Coast. For homeowners in this challenging turf zone, these Bahiagrass varieties offer benefits other warm-season grasses don’t.

Pennington Pensacola Bahiagrass builds on basic Bahiagrass strengths, and excels even in poor soil conditions to form durable, dense, drought-resistant lawns.

Its deep, extensive root system enhances tolerance to heat and cold, giving Pensacola better winter hardiness and improved turf quality than common Bahia.

Pennington Argentine Bahiagrass has a finer leaf texture and darker color, resulting in more attractive lawns.

Its deep roots and drought and disease tolerance combine with very low growth and low maintenance needs.

Other Characteristics

Bahiagrass seed germinates slowly but establishes well, so you can enjoy all the starting a lawn from seed.

Common Bahia’s naturally open growth habit makes it vulnerable to weeds when young. Part of its slow, steady growth comes through short, above-ground stems, known as stolons.

The stolons root at very short intervals and eventually form dense, durable, all-purpose turf.

As with Zoysia grass and most warm-season grasses, Bahia stays green only during active growth.

Periods of extended drought bring on dormancy and an unnaturally dark or tan color, but Bahia withstands these stresses better than other grasses.

It’s especially well-suited to large, less maintained areas with limited irrigation. Once stresses subside, Bahiagrass lawns bounce back quickly.

As winter arrives, Bahia enters an annual dormant period and turns brownish tan.

However, it stays green longer than Bermudagrass and greens up earlier than Bermuda in spring.

For homeowners who want green lawns regardless of the season, Bahia can be overseeded in autumn with cool-season ryegrasses for winter-long color.

Bahiagrass Lawn care

As a warm-season grass, Bahia operates on a different timetable than northern grasses for month-by-month lawn tasks. Seeding is best done in spring, as growth accelerates.

Overseed existing thin lawns at the same time. However, the warm, moderate winters in Bahia’s limited area offer some flexibility. Fall seedings in Florida will establish fairly well.

Mow Bahiagrass lawns at the recommended height of 2 to 3 inches to improve stress tolerance and encourage deep roots. Heavy seed production is typical for this grass.

The stiff, numerous seed stalks rise taller than the low-growing blades. Depending on your tolerance for their appearance, more frequent mowings may be needed to eliminate the V-shaped seed heads.

Test your soil before planting Bahiagrass. This grass does well in poor, sandy soils with limited nutrients and pH near 5.5 to 6.5.2 In soils with pH above 7.0, Bahia suffers iron deficiencies that result in pale yellow color.

Iron supplement products and other soil amendments may be needed to keep Bahia healthy and attractive. In these cases, another warm-season grass may be a better choice.

Established Bahia lawns need limited fertilizers and irrigation. Feed according to soil test recommendations, and water as needed to maintain the color desired.

Overwatering weakens Bahiagrass and leaves it susceptible to lawn disease. As with Centipede grass, some ingredients in common Weed & Feed products can harm Bahia.

Always check product labels to make sure they’re safe for use on Bahiagrass lawns.

Best bahiagrass seed for Florida

1.Hancock’s Argentine Bahia Grass Seed

Hancock’s Argentine Bahia grass seed is the best lawn grass and pasture grass seed available for southern climates, especially Florida.

This variety makes an excellent low-maintenance permanent lawn grass or pasture grass for horses, cattle, and any type of livestock. Argentine Bahia grass is very drought tolerant, deep-rooted, and has exceptional disease and insect resistance.

Argentine Bahia Grass produces 10 to 12 feet of dense root structure, allowing for low watering requirements and is also the most environmentally-friendly lawn and pasture grass variety available for the warm season climates.

Coated seed contains a clay-based surrounding shell that increases moisture retention and helps to reduce insect or fowl consumption.

Coated seed contains approximately 50% coating weight, or inert weight, per pound of seed. Coated Hancock’s Argentine Bahia Grass Seed is also easier to see after it is applied. Raw seed features no fillers, coatings, or treatments.

2.Pensacola Bahia Grass Seed

Wonder lawn Pensacola Bahia Grass is a warm-season perennial, is grown throughout Florida and in the Coastal Plain and Gulf Coast regions of the southern United States. Wonder lawn Pensacola Bahia Grass is a low maintenance, drought resistant grass. This 2 lb. bag contains 100% Pensacola Bahia grass grass seed.

Deep root
Excellent drought resistance
Low maintenance
Covers 200 sq. ft.

3.ScottsTurf Builder Bahia Argentine Grass Seed

Grow a lawn that can thrive in coastal southern regions with Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Argentine Bahia grass.

Our 99.9% weed-free mix will grow a lawn with excellent heat and drought resistance. Additionally, the deep roots of Argentine Bahia grass help it to be a low maintenance lawn.

Excellent heat and drought resistance
Deep roots for a low-maintenance lawn
Wider-bladed and darker green than Pensacola Bahia grass
Ideal for deep south and coastal regions
99.9% weed free

Bahia Grass Pests, and Diseases

Bahia grass is not troubled by many pests and diseases. The most serious pest threat is the mole cricket, which burrows through the soil and damages roots. Very few diseases cause problems in bahia grass lawns with the exception of dollar spot, which can leave spots several inches in diameter scattered throughout the lawn.

Centipede grass florida

Centipede grass is known for its excellent heat tolerance and extremely low maintenance requirements.

A favorite of lawn owners interested in minimal upkeep, Centipede grass requires far less attention and input than other grasses in its growing region.

However, Centipede has very specific climate and soil requirements that limit its use in the United States, primarily in the Southeast.

If you reside in that region, this low maintenance grass may be a top lawn choice for you.

Centipede grass excels on sandy soils with limited nutrients. It tolerates acidic soil with pH as low as 4.5 to 6.0 —much lower than most grasses prefer.

At higher pH levels, Centipede is very sensitive to iron deficiencies, which can cause leaf blades to turn light yellow.

Keeping Centipede healthy and attractive in high-pH soils may require frequent applications of lawn iron supplements and pH-lowering soil amendments — negating this grass’s low-maintenance benefits.

A soil test will reveal whether your soil suits Centipede’s needs.

Centipede grass does not have a true period of winter dormancy, unlike Zoysia and other warm-season grasses.

In very mild climates, it may remain green all winter. However, this lack of dormancy leaves it vulnerable to winter cold. When temperatures drop low, Centipede can sustain damage, but repeated injuries over winter can prove fatal.

Unlike Bermudagrass and other warm-season lawns, Centipede grass should not be overseeded in fall with ryegrasses for winter color.

The resulting competition can weaken Centipede’s root system and cause the grass to fail.

Centipede has the slowest growth rate of warm-season grasses. It spreads by creeping, above-ground stems called stolons, eventually forming a dense lawn. But it doesn’t hold up well to heavy traffic and recovers slowly.

It is more shade-tolerant than Bermudagrass, but less tolerant of salt.

Centipede grass seed

Mayberry Centipede Seed:

Mayberry Centipede grass seed is a great choice for southern lawns. Centipede seed performs well in the hot and sometimes dry, Southern climate. Mayberry Centipede Seed is 99% weed free producing a luscious, green lawn without weeds.

99.9% Weed free
Low-maintenance
Drought tolerant
Sun or partial shade
Mow less often
Requires very little fertilizer
Chokes out weeds
Covers 24,000 sq. ft.

Barenbrug Centipede Grass Seed:

Low maintenance southern lawn that requires minimal feedings and mowing. Thrives in sandy and acidic soil. Ideal for coastal southern regions. Contains 100% centipede grass seed.

Develops into a beautiful, solid lawn
Requires little or no chemical treatment
Grows well in poor soil, sun, or partial shade
Low maintenance and minimal fertilization

Pennington Centipede Grass Seed:

Grows a dense, slow-growing, sod-producing lawn with a medium texture and beautiful green color that thrives in the sun. Pennington Centipede grass seed and BIO-170 natural mulch are pre-mixed to ensure accurate seed application. Over time, it will create a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn that requires less fertilizer and fewer mowings.

Combination Centipede grass seed and bio-170 organic mulch granules pre-mixed in one bag
Bio-170 mulch granules are 100% biodegradable and retain moisture to help promote seed germination
Helps establish a dense, slow-growing lawn that thrives in sunny areas
Requires less fertilizer and fewer mowing than other varietals
Low maintenance lawn – requires less mowing
99% weed free
Penkoted technology protects the seed from deadly fungus during the early growth period when grass is most susceptible to disease
Best for full sun (8+ hours of sun per day)
Germinates in up to 30 days
Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft.

Kikuyu grass Florida

Kikuyugrass, Pennisetum clandestinum, (Fig. 1) is an extremely aggressive perennial weed of turfgrass, ornamental plantings, orchards, and noncrop areas in California.

Native to East Africa, kikuyugrass is well adapted to warm, temperate climates such as those of the coast and inland valleys of Southern and Central California.

Kikuyugrass originally was imported to California around 1918 as a ground cover to reduce erosion on ditch banks. With its rapid growth and ease of establishment, it quickly moved from these sites and became a serious weed pest.

In the past kikuyugrass often was confused with St. Augustine grass and might have been mistakenly propagated and planted in its place.

There are also some commercial varieties of kikuyugrass that have characteristics that are desirable for turf, such as finer blades and fast establishment.

Kikuyugrass is a perennial grass that grows best under cool to warm temperatures (60° to 90°F) and moist conditions; however, it also survives well at high temperatures (100°F).

Like bermudagrass, kikuyugrass has a special photosynthetic pathway that enables it to assimilate carbohydrates at a high rate and to grow rapidly during periods of high light intensity and warm temperatures.

Unlike bermudagrass, kikuyugrass is able to maintain its steady growth rate at lower temperatures.

In coastal and some inland valley areas, kikuyugrass might not go dormant in winter. In other inland areas of California, it often turns brown in late November and remains dormant until February or March, depending upon the temperature.

Once kikuyugrass resumes growth in late spring, it grows rapidly through summer and early fall.

Kikuyugrass is capable of sustained shoot growth rates exceeding 1 inch per day, and a patch can expand an average of 4 square feet per month when growing without competition.

Flowering, which mowing stimulates, begins in late spring. Flowering is more prolific during cool, humid conditions, and seed production continues throughout summer and fall.

Kikuyugrass is a prostrate plant that spreads by producing a network of thick, fleshy stems that root at the nodes.

These stems often form a thick mat or thatch above the soil surface (as stolons) or a network of underground stems (rhizomes) 1 to 4 inches deep in the soil.

Carbohydrates are stored in the stems and can be utilized for regrowth after mowing or cultivation. If the stems are chopped into small pieces, each section is capable of producing new shoots and roots from its nodes.

Kikuyugrass can easily be moved from one area to another on mowing and renovation equipment, resulting in new infestations. Left unmowed, kikuyugrass can attain a height of about 18 inches

It also can grow up over fences and into trees and shrubs.

When mowed, kikuyugrass can survive cutting heights of less than 1/2 inch.

Leaves of kikuyugrass are light green and 1 to 10 inches long. It has pointed leaf tips and flat leaf blades that are about 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide; St. Augustine grass, on the other hand, has rounded leaf tips with sharply folded or creased leaf blades.

Kikuyugrass leaves and stems are slightly hairy while St. Augustine grass is smooth. Another identifying characteristic of kikuyugrass is the long fringe of hairs that parallels the stem in the leaf collar region.

The pollen sacs, or anthers, extend above the leaves on slender, white filaments and give infested areas a whitish cast that often is mistaken for a fungus.

The female portion of the flower (pistil) is found lower on the plant, and there are separate male and female flowers. Seeds are produced in terminal leaf sheaths, and are not visible; the seed is dark brown and about 1/8 inch long with a rather large scar at its rounded base.

Bermuda grass for Florida

Bermuda grass is one of the most popular of the warm season grasses. Bermuda grass can be easily planted from grass seed, sod or grass plugs.

Bermudagrass is planted for beautiful, durable grass lawns, nutritious and traffic tolerant pastures, sports turf, golf courses, athletic fields, and more.

This perennial grass grows in tropical, sub-tropical, and the transition zones.

Bermuda grass is one of the few warm-season grass varieties that will grow a little further north into the colder climates.

More cold tolerant and high-quality Bermuda Grass Seed varieties are being developed constantly — such as the popular Riviera Bermuda grass seed.

In the warmer tropical south, during average rainfall years, Bermuda will retain a beautiful green color all year round.

This grass can be grown on low to high maintenance schedules depending upon the usage. Lawns planted in Bermudagrass can attain full lawn coverage in just one year.

It is not uncommon for seeded or plugged Bermuda grass lawns to be established within 60-90 days.

Note that when temperatures drop, to the point of frost, bermuda grass will go dormant and turn brown until temperatures rise again in the Spring and growth resumes.

Bermuda grass was brought to America in the 1500’s from Africa via the Spaniards.

Since that time it has been developed from the basic Common Bermuda forage grass into one of the major grass species used on the most exclusive golf greens, commercial and home lawns worldwide.

Bermuda grass grows best in full sun.
Bermuda grass has a medium to fine texture.
Bermuda grass is drought resistant and highly versatile
Bermuda Grass is salt tolerant.
Bermuda grass is easy to establish from seed or grass plugs.
New Improved Bermuda Grass varieties have extended the growth area well into the Transition Zone
Bermuda Grass is a perennial sod ‘former’ that has a dark green color
A fast repairing grass that grows low spreading by rhizomes and stolons.
Can be mown closely — 1/2 to 3/4 inch mowing heights for some varieties
Forms a dense turf, goes into dormancy when temperatures drop below 60° and greens up fast when temperatures rise.
Once only grown from sod or sprigged, bermuda grass is now readily available as grass seed in both common bermuda grass and improved varieties

Bermuda grass seed

Turf Builder Grass Seed Bermuda:

Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Bermudagrass is great for lawns challenged by long periods of scorching southern heat and drought. This seed mix aggressively spreads to fill in bare spots and crowd out weeds.

Each seed is wrapped in a unique WaterSmart PLUS Coating that absorbs 2x more water than uncoated seed, feeds with essential nutrients, and protects seedlings from disease. Grow Quicker, Thicker, Greener Grass. Guaranteed.

Grow quicker, thicker, greener grass, guaranteed
Exclusive watersmart plus coating absorbs more water, feeds with essential nutrients and protects seedlings from disease
Great for lawns challenged by long stretches of scorching heat and drought
Aggressively spreads to fill in bare spots and crowd out weeds
Contains exclusive WaterSmart PLUS coating to absorb twice the water of uncoated seed

Vigoro Bermuda Grass Seed Blend:

Vigoro Bermuda Blend with Continuous Repair Technology contains improved varieties of self-repairing Bermuda grasses.

This advanced seed blend has a protective coating to deliver healthier plant development and improved establishment.

It is an excellent choice for establishing new Bermuda grass lawns or improving existing ones. The results are a full, thick, healthy, beautiful lawn that lasts. Guaranteed.

Pennington One Step Complete for Bermudagrass:

With Pennington, your lawn will get the love and attention it deserves.

The Pennington One Step Complete for Bermudagrass areas with Mulch, Grass Seed and Fertilizer Mix, makes it easier to grow beautiful, thick, water-saving grass that thrives in sunny areas.

Everything you need is pre-mixed in one bag: premium Smart Seed grass seed, mulch and professional-grade fertilizer. Simply apply, water and watch it grow.

Perfect for patching or repairing problem spots in your lawn. This super-absorbent seeding mix holds and maintains moisture around the seed while providing the essential nutrients to help grass grow healthy and strong.

St. Augustine grass for Florida

St. Augustinegrass is the most widely planted type of lawn grass in Florida, with green to blue-green color.

It’s easy and quick to establish the grass from sod or plugs. St. Augustinegrass does require water to stay green during periods of drought, however it doesn’t need more water than other grass species to remain green.

It’ll also go into winter dormancy in many parts of the state. Reduce watering and don’t fertilize in Central or North Florida during the cool months.

Chinch bugs are a major pest of St. Augustinegrass, and can cause a lot of damage.

Damaged areas appear as yellow to brown patches, and injury typically occurs first in grass that’s water-stressed or in full sun. Chinch bugs are active when it’s warm, but may cause damage year-round.