St. Augustine lawns are a wide-bladed, warm-weather, grass that does well in Gainesville, Florida. It grows quickly in summer and slows down during winter, needing less water. Too little water can damage your lawn, but too much can also lead to lawn health problems because St. Augustine has shallow roots and is vulnerable to fungal attacks.
Look out for the following four signs you're overwatering your Gainesville lawn:
- Depressions: If you walk on your lawn and the grass leaves don’t spring back, this is often a symptom of overwatering. Your footprints will leave matted depressions. This can also be a sign of dry lawns too, but you probably know if your lawn is too dry.
- Curled Leaves: When the leaves show signs of curling, it’s usually because they have had too much water. This is a lawn care mistake that many people make. Don’t water again until the leaves have straightened out. However, do not make the mistake of thinking folding leaves mean overwatering. Leaves folding in the middle are a sign of needing irrigation, where as curling longways signifies too much water.
- Fungus / Disease: Overwatered St. Augustine grass is at risk of being attacked by a fungus called ‘brown patch.' When the lawn starts showing signs, brown circles appear in multiple patches, like the photo above. There typically is yellowing on the outer ring of the circle, as well. This is under the immediate need of lawn spraying of fungicide and reducing sprinkler settings to remedy the problem.
- Change in Color: Overwatered St. Augustine often changes in color. The blades take on a grayish-blue hue, instead of a deep green.
What about St. Augustine grass and weeds? Several weeds can affect over-irrigated grass, causing the need for Gainesville lawn weed control - including dollarweed, clover, chickweed, henbit, crabgrass, and goosegrass. These weeds not only rob the grass of nutrients, but they can completely take over areas of a lawn. If your St. Augustine grass is being invaded by weeds, consult with a professional lawn fertilization company and ask for an estimate to have the problem resolved.
If you need professional lawn care in Gainesville, Fla, contact us at The Master's Lawn Care. If you have a vision for your lawn, we can turn it into a reality. Give us a call today!