Is my St. Augustine grass dead after the frost?

St. Augustine grass is one of the most common types of lawn grasses in Volusia County and central Florida. After the cold temperatures and morning frosts that we had in the early weeks of February, it may turn brown and you might think it has died. But, this is normal and it is probably only dormant. It will usually recover as the temperatures start to rise. Here's some tips on how to help your St. Augustine grass recover.

Should I water my St. Augustine grass?

It has been exceptionally dry this February so proper watering is important for it's recovery. St. Augustine grass is semi-drought tolerant, and does best when watering is done only as needed. The recommended depth to water St. Augustine grass is 3/4" - 1" of water but only at first sign of wilt. It's better to water less during the cool months to prevent the spread of brown patch fungus which proliferates in wet conditions. Based on your lawn’s drainage, the amount of water needed could vary. See our service page about how to identify and treat Brown Patch Fungus.

Will fertilizing help my St. Augustine grass recover from frost damage?

Don't fertilize your lawn immediately after the frost. Fertilizing right away can do more harm to your lawn. Wait until it starts showing signs of recovery. You should really test the pH levels of your soil before applying any fertilizer. To help the grass withstand stress, apply a fertilizer with a higher potassium content. However, avoid excess nitrogen because it can contribute to the growth of brown patch fungus. When you look at a fertilizer bag, the first number is the nitrogen and the third number is the potassium.

How do I know if my St. Augustine grass survived the freeze?

There are two simple tests to tell if your St. Augustine lawn is in trouble or if it is just dormant. First, try to pull on a few blades of grass. If they stay attached and don't come out easily, then it is likely dormant. If it comes out easily, then it is probably dead. Next, pull or dig out the roots of the grass. If the roots are light-colored (or even white) then it is dormant. If the roots are dark brown and brittle then you'll need to plan for repairing the grass.

Liberty Lawn and Pest serves Volusia County and central Florida. Call us to have us come out to do a pH test on your soil to create a fertilization plan for your lawn.