St. Augustine grass is a favored warm-season turfgrass across Texas, valued for its ability to tolerate moderate shade and develop a thick, dense growth habit. This broad-bladed variety forms a lush, carpet-like lawn that effectively crowds out many common weeds. Successfully establishing this turf, whether from sod or plugs, depends heavily on aligning the planting with Texas’s variable climate conditions and preparing the site correctly.
Determining the Ideal Planting Window in Texas
The success of planting St. Augustine grass hinges on soil temperature, as the grass will not root effectively until the ground is adequately warm. Active growth begins when the soil temperature consistently registers above 65°F, with optimal establishment occurring closer to 70°F. The best window for planting in Texas is late spring through early summer, typically extending from April to the end of June.
Planting during this period allows the grass to establish a robust root system before the intense heat and potential drought of mid-summer. Regional differences influence the exact timing of this window. Homeowners in South Texas can start in mid-to-late April, while those in North Texas should wait until late May or early June to ensure consistent soil warmth.
A secondary option is planting in the early fall, around September or October, when temperatures begin to moderate. While this timing reduces heat stress, it carries a risk of the grass not developing sufficient root depth before the first hard freeze. If the root system is not fully established before winter dormancy, the new grass is susceptible to winterkill.
Site Preparation and Installation Methods
Site preparation must be completed before any installation begins. All existing grass, weeds, and debris must be completely removed to eliminate competition for water and nutrients. The area should then be graded to ensure proper drainage and prevent water pooling, which can lead to fungal diseases.
The soil should be tilled to relieve compaction and allow new roots to penetrate deeply. St. Augustine grass performs best with a base of approximately four to six inches of quality, well-draining topsoil. It is beneficial to perform a soil test to confirm the pH is within the preferred range of 6.0 to 7.5 before installation.
Installation Methods
There are two primary methods for planting St. Augustine grass: laying sod or using plugs. Laying sod provides an instant lawn and is the quickest way to establish turf, with pieces laid in a staggered, brick-like pattern. After laying the sod, rolling the area with a lawn roller ensures firm, continuous contact between the sod’s roots and the underlying soil.
Planting plugs is a more economical option but requires a longer establishment time, as the grass must spread via its above-ground runners, known as stolons. Plugs should be spaced evenly, typically 12 to 18 inches apart, in prepared soil. Regardless of the method, the goal is to eliminate air pockets and ensure the grass material is flush with the surrounding ground to encourage rapid root attachment.
Essential Care for Establishment
Watering Schedule
The first few weeks after planting require a specific high-frequency watering schedule to promote root growth. Immediately following installation, new sod or plugs must be watered daily, often multiple times a day, for the first two to three weeks. This frequent, shallow watering keeps the sod moist and encourages new roots to grow into the prepared soil beneath.
Once the grass shows resistance when gently tugged, indicating the roots are anchoring, the watering frequency must be reduced. The focus should then shift to deeper, less frequent irrigation to encourage a more resilient root system. Watering in the early morning is recommended to minimize evaporation and allow the grass blades to dry before evening, helping prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilization and Mowing
Applying a starter fertilizer that contains phosphorus before installation is helpful for encouraging root development. However, applying a heavy nitrogen fertilizer or herbicide is discouraged for the first 30 to 45 days after installation. Excessive nitrogen pushes too much top growth at the expense of root establishment, while herbicides can damage the sensitive, unrooted grass.
The first mowing should occur once the sod is rooted, usually within two to three weeks, or when plugs begin to spread their stolons. Set the mower blade high, maintaining a cutting height between three and four inches. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf tissue in a single mow, and keep the blades sharp to reduce stress on the vulnerable new turf.