Complete Guide to St. Augustine Grass Care in Houston: Expert Tips from an Aggie Horticulturist
St. Augustine grass is the most popular lawn choice for Houston homeowners—and for good reason. This warm-season grass thrives in our humid subtropical climate, tolerates our heavy clay soil, and handles partial shade better than most other grass varieties. However, maintaining a healthy, green St. Augustine lawn in Houston requires understanding its unique needs and the common problems that plague Gulf Coast lawns.
As a Texas A&M-trained Horticulturist who has been caring for Houston lawns since 1991, I've seen every St. Augustine grass problem imaginable—and helped thousands of homeowners restore their lawns to lush, healthy condition. This complete guide covers everything Sugar Land and Houston homeowners need to know about St. Augustine grass care throughout the year.
Why St. Augustine Grass Dominates Houston Lawns
St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) has become the go-to choice for residential lawns throughout the Houston metro area, including Sugar Land, Missouri City, Katy, and surrounding communities. Here's why:
Shade Tolerance: St. Augustine handles partial shade better than Bermuda grass or Zoysia, making it ideal for Houston yards with large oak trees and pine trees.
Heat and Humidity Resistance: Our long, hot summers don't stress properly maintained St. Augustine like they do cool-season grasses.
Thick Growth Pattern: St. Augustine creates a dense, carpet-like lawn that crowds out many weeds naturally.
Salt Tolerance: For homeowners near the coast, St. Augustine tolerates salt spray better than most alternatives.
Rapid Recovery: When properly cared for, St. Augustine recovers quickly from damage, drought stress, or foot traffic.
Popular St. Augustine Varieties for Houston
Raleigh: The most common variety in established Houston neighborhoods. Moderate shade tolerance and good cold hardiness for our area.
Palmetto: Improved shade tolerance and better drought resistance than Raleigh. Becoming increasingly popular for new installations.
Floratam: Excellent for full sun areas but struggles in shade. More susceptible to cold damage during harsh winters.
Seville: Fine-textured blades with excellent shade tolerance. Lower mowing height requirement.
The Houston St. Augustine Grass Calendar: Month-by-Month Care Guide
Spring (March-May): Active Growth Season
March: Your St. Augustine lawn begins breaking dormancy as soil temperatures reach 65°F. This is the time to apply pre-emergent herbicide to prevent summer weeds like crabgrass and dallisgrass.
April: Begin your fertilization program. Apply a balanced fertilizer (15-5-10 or similar) once the grass is fully green and actively growing. Start mowing at 3-4 inches height.
May: Continue regular mowing every 5-7 days. Watch for chinch bugs, which become active as temperatures rise. Monitor irrigation needs as Houston weather warms.
Summer (June-August): Peak Growing Season and Stress Period
June-August: Your Houston lawn needs consistent care during our brutal summer months:
Water deeply but infrequently: 1-1.5 inches per week including rainfall
Mow every 5-7 days, never removing more than 1/3 of blade height
Apply second round of fertilizer in early June
Watch for gray leaf spot, especially during humid periods
Monitor for chinch bug damage in full sun areas
Summer is when most Houston grass problems develop. High heat, humidity, and inconsistent watering create perfect conditions for fungal diseases and pest infestations.
Fall (September-November): Recovery and Preparation
September: Apply final fertilization of the year in early September. This helps your St. Augustine lawn recover from summer stress and build root reserves for winter.
October: Reduce mowing frequency as growth slows. This is an excellent time to aerate compacted Houston clay soil and overseed thin areas.
November: Final mowing of the season. Raise mower height to 4 inches to protect crowns during winter. Clean up leaves promptly to prevent fungal issues.
Winter (December-February): Dormancy Period
December-February: St. Augustine goes semi-dormant when temperatures consistently drop below 55°F:
Reduce watering to once every 10-14 days if no rainfall
No fertilization during dormancy
Watch for brown patch fungus, especially in shaded, wet areas
Apply pre-emergent herbicide in late January/early February
Mow only if grass continues growing during warm spells
Proper Mowing Techniques for St. Augustine in Houston
Mowing mistakes cause more Houston grass problems than almost any other factor. Follow these expert guidelines:
Mowing Height: Maintain St. Augustine at 3-4 inches. Taller grass shades soil (reducing weed germination), develops deeper roots, and handles Houston heat better.
Frequency: Mow every 5-7 days during active growth (April-September). Never remove more than one-third of the blade height in a single mowing.
Sharp Blades: Dull mower blades tear grass, creating ragged brown edges and entry points for disease. Sharpen blades every 4-6 weeks during growing season.
Mowing Pattern: Alternate mowing directions each time to prevent soil compaction and grain development.
Grass Clippings: Leave clippings on the lawn (grasscycling) unless they're excessive. Clippings return nitrogen to the soil and don't cause thatch buildup.
Never Scalp: Cutting St. Augustine too short (scalping) stresses the grass, allows weeds, and takes weeks to recover. If you accidentally scalp your lawn, water deeply and wait for regrowth—don't fertilize immediately.
Watering Your Houston St. Augustine Lawn
Houston's clay soil, high humidity, and variable rainfall make lawn watering more complex than simply running sprinklers daily.
How Much: St. Augustine needs 1-1.5 inches of water per week during growing season, including rainfall. Use a rain gauge to track weekly totals.
How Often: Deep, infrequent watering is better than daily shallow watering. Water 2-3 times per week, applying 0.5-0.75 inches each time. This encourages deep root growth.
Best Time: Water between 4-10 AM. Early morning watering allows grass blades to dry during the day, reducing fungal disease risk. Evening watering keeps grass wet overnight, promoting disease.
Signs of Water Stress:
Grass blades folding or rolling
Footprints remaining visible after walking on lawn
Blue-gray color instead of vibrant green
Wilted appearance in afternoon heat
Overwatering Problems: Too much water is worse than too little for St. Augustine in Houston. Overwatering causes:
Shallow root systems
Increased disease susceptibility (especially brown patch)
Thatch buildup
Chinch bug attraction
Wasted water and higher bills
Clay Soil Considerations: Houston's heavy clay soil doesn't absorb water quickly. If you see runoff, use the "cycle and soak" method: water for 10 minutes, let it soak 20-30 minutes, then water again. This allows better penetration.
Fertilizing St. Augustine Grass in Houston
Proper fertilization keeps your Houston lawn green, dense, and better able to resist pests and diseases.
How Much Nitrogen Per Year: St. Augustine needs 3-5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet annually in Houston. Split this into 2-3 applications:
Application 1 (April): 1.5-2 pounds nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft
Application 2 (June): 1.5-2 pounds nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft
Application 3 (September - optional): 1 pound nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft
Best Fertilizer for Houston St. Augustine: Look for a 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 ratio (example: 15-5-10 or 16-4-8). Slow-release formulas provide consistent feeding and reduce disease risk.
Iron for Deep Green Color: If your St. Augustine looks yellowish despite fertilization, it may need iron (common in Houston's alkaline soil). Apply iron sulfate or chelated iron for quick greening without excessive growth.
Never Fertilize:
Dormant grass (November-March)
Stressed or drought-stricken lawns
Immediately after disease outbreaks
During extreme heat (above 95°F)
Common St. Augustine Grass Problems in Houston
Brown Patch Fungus
What It Looks Like: Circular patches of brown grass, 1-3 feet in diameter, often with a dark ring around the edge. Most common in fall, winter, and early spring.
Causes: Cool, wet weather combined with high humidity. Overwatering and excessive nitrogen increase susceptibility.
Houston-Specific Issues: Our mild, humid winters create perfect conditions for brown patch. Shaded areas with poor air circulation are most affected.
Treatment:
Reduce watering frequency
Improve drainage and air circulation
Avoid nitrogen fertilizer until spring
Apply fungicide if severe (products containing azoxystrobin or propiconazole)
Usually resolves naturally as weather warms
Chinch Bugs
What They Look Like: Tiny black insects (1/6 inch) with white wings. Nymphs are reddish with a white band across their back.
Damage Symptoms: Irregular yellow patches that turn brown, typically in full sun areas and along driveways/sidewalks where heat reflects. Grass pulls up easily because roots are damaged.
Peak Season in Houston: June through September when temperatures are highest.
Detection: Part grass at the edge of damaged area and look for fast-moving tiny bugs. Or push a coffee can with both ends removed into the soil, fill with water, and watch for floating insects.
Treatment:
Insecticides containing bifenthrin or permethrin
Water lawn deeply before treatment
May require repeat applications 2 weeks apart
Encourage beneficial insects that eat chinch bugs
Gray Leaf Spot
What It Looks Like: Small brown lesions with gray centers on grass blades. Can cause large areas to look scorched during Houston summers.
Causes: High humidity, warm temperatures (70-90°F), and excessive nitrogen. Very common in Houston during summer.
Treatment:
Reduce nitrogen fertilization
Improve air circulation by thinning tree canopy if possible
Water early morning only
Fungicide application if severe
Usually self-limiting once humidity drops
Take-All Root Rot (TARR)
What It Looks Like: Irregular patches of thin, yellowing grass that doesn't respond to fertilization. Roots appear dark and rotted.
Houston Problem: Becoming increasingly common in alkaline soils throughout the Houston area.
Treatment:
Apply acidifying fertilizers containing ammonium sulfate
Avoid phosphorus (use 0 as middle number on fertilizer)
Core aeration to improve oxygen to roots
May take multiple seasons to recover
St. Augustine Decline (SAD Virus)
What It Looks Like: Mottled yellow and green patterns on grass blades. Grass thins and weakens over time.
Important Note: No cure exists. Floratam variety is resistant; Raleigh is highly susceptible.
Management:
Replace affected areas with Floratam or Palmetto varieties
Prevent by using virus-free sod
Sterilize mower blades between lawns (for lawn care professionals)
Grubs (White Grubs)
What They Look Like: C-shaped white larvae found in soil. Adult beetles (June bugs) are attracted to lights at night.
Damage: Brown patches of grass that peel back like carpet. Dead grass has no roots.
When to Treat in Houston: Apply preventive grub control in late April/early May before eggs hatch. Treat existing infestations in late summer/early fall.
Treatment: Products containing imidacloprid or clothianidin for prevention; carbaryl or trichlorfon for active infestations.
Troubleshooting Common Houston Grass Issues
"My St. Augustine is turning yellow"
Possible Causes:
Iron deficiency (most common in Houston's alkaline soil)
Nitrogen deficiency
Chinch bug damage
Over-watering creating anaerobic conditions
Disease (Take-All Root Rot or SAD virus)
Diagnosis: Check if yellowing is uniform (nutrient deficiency) or patchy (insects/disease). Look for insects. Test soil pH.
"There are brown dead spots in my lawn"
Possible Causes:
Chinch bugs (full sun areas, spreads outward)
Brown patch fungus (circular with dark ring)
Dog urine spots (dark green ring around dead center)
Grubs (peels back like carpet)
Heat/drought stress
Spilled gasoline or chemicals
Diagnosis: Examine the pattern, location, and whether grass pulls up easily. Check for insects.
"My grass is thin and won't thicken up"
Possible Causes:
Too much shade (St. Augustine needs at least 4 hours direct sun)
Soil compaction from heavy clay and foot traffic
Thatch buildup preventing new growth
Wrong grass variety for conditions
Poor soil quality
Disease pressure
Solutions: Core aeration, dethatching if thatch exceeds 0.5 inches, proper fertilization, consider alternative grass or groundcover for deep shade.
"Weeds are taking over my St. Augustine"
Common Houston Lawn Weeds:
Dallisgrass (clumpy, coarse texture)
Crabgrass (summer annual)
Nutsedge (yellow or purple)
Dollar weed (round leaves, wet areas)
Clover (nitrogen-poor soil indicator)
Prevention: Thick, healthy St. Augustine crowds out most weeds. Proper mowing height, adequate fertilization, and pre-emergent applications prevent most weed problems.
Treatment:
Pre-emergent in late February and again in September
Post-emergent herbicides for existing weeds (use St. Augustine-safe products)
Hand-pulling for isolated weeds
Address underlying issues (compaction, poor drainage, etc.)
Installing New St. Augustine Sod in Houston
If you're starting fresh or repairing large dead areas, here's what you need to know:
Best Time to Install: Late March through October when soil is warm and grass actively grows. Avoid November-February when grass is dormant.
Soil Preparation:
Till and remove debris from existing area
Add 2-3 inches quality compost to improve Houston clay soil
Level and grade for proper drainage
Soil test to determine fertilizer needs
Installation:
Lay sod within 24 hours of delivery
Stagger seams like brickwork
Ensure good soil contact (no air pockets)
Water immediately after installation
Post-Installation Care:
Water 2-3 times daily for first week (keep soil moist but not soggy)
Week 2-3: Once daily
Week 4+: Transition to normal schedule (2-3 times weekly)
First mow when grass reaches 4-5 inches (usually 2-3 weeks)
First fertilization 4-6 weeks after installation
Professional St. Augustine Lawn Care vs. DIY
When to Call a Professional:
Severe pest infestations (chinch bugs, grubs)
Persistent fungal diseases
Large-scale dead areas needing renovation
Drainage problems causing chronic issues
Complete lawn renovation or new installation
Uncertainty about diagnosis or treatment
What You Can Handle:
Regular mowing and edging
Routine watering schedule adjustments
Fertilizer applications (following label directions)
Spot treatment of minor weed issues
Monitoring for early pest/disease signs
Houston Lawn Care Myths Debunked
Myth: "Water my St. Augustine lawn every day for 10 minutes" Truth: Deep, infrequent watering (2-3 times weekly) builds stronger roots and healthier grass.
Myth: "Cut grass as short as possible so I don't have to mow as often" Truth: Scalping stresses grass, allows weeds, and makes it more susceptible to pests and disease. Maintain 3-4 inches.
Myth: "Grass clippings cause thatch" Truth: Thatch comes from grass roots and stems, not clippings. Leaving clippings returns nutrients to soil.
Myth: "More fertilizer means greener grass" Truth: Excess nitrogen promotes disease, excessive growth, and environmental pollution. Follow recommended rates.
Myth: "I need to bag all my grass clippings" Truth: Only bag if clippings are excessive (waited too long between mowing). Otherwise, leave them to decompose.
The Bottom Line on St. Augustine Grass Care in Houston
Maintaining a healthy, green St. Augustine lawn in Houston requires understanding our unique climate challenges: heavy clay soil, high humidity, extreme summer heat, and unpredictable winter freezes. Success comes from:
Proper mowing height (3-4 inches) and frequency
Deep, infrequent watering (1-1.5 inches weekly)
Appropriate fertilization (3-5 lbs nitrogen annually)
Early detection and treatment of pests and diseases
Realistic expectations based on shade, soil, and traffic
With over 30 years of experience caring for Houston lawns, I've learned that the best-looking St. Augustine lawns aren't necessarily the ones receiving the most inputs—they're the ones receiving the right care at the right times. Focus on building healthy soil, maintaining proper cultural practices, and addressing problems early, and your Houston lawn will thrive.
About the Author: Todd Farber, Houston Landscaping Expert
Todd Farber is a Houston native and Texas A&M-trained Horticulturist who has been transforming residential landscapes throughout Sugar Land and Fort Bend County since 1991. As owner of Garden Guy, Todd brings over 30 years of hands-on experience helping homeowners solve common plant problems, design beautiful outdoor spaces, and select the right trees and shrubs for Houston's unique Zone 9 climate.
Together with his wife Sabrina, Todd has built Garden Guy into one of Houston's most trusted residential landscaping companies. Based in First Colony, they've been honored as Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorites since 2021 for their personalized service, expert plant knowledge, and commitment to treating every yard like their own.
Need help with your Houston or Sugar Land landscape? Call or text Todd at 281-208-4400 or email hello@garden-guy.com. Visit askgardenguy.com for more Houston gardening tips and answers to your plant questions.
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