Spring (Green-Up Phase)
- Warm-Season Grasses (Bermuda, St. Augustine, Zoysia): Wait until the turf completely greens up after winter dormancy before applying a high-nitrogen or partially organic slow-release fertilizer like GreenTRX. Avoid pushing excessive growth too early.
- Cool-Season Grasses (Bluegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass): Apply a balanced slow-release or starter fertilizer in early to mid-spring to support recovery and color density.
Summer (Heat Stress Management)
- Application Interval: Maintain light, steady feedings every 6 to 8 weeks using slow-release formulas.
- Regional Adjustments: In hotter southern regions, shift toward potassium-rich blends (such as 15-0-15 or 10-0-30) to boost heat, drought, and traffic tolerance instead of heavy nitrogen burn.
Fall (Winter Preparation & Seeding)
- Timing: Apply a complete winterizer or slow-release nitrogen fertilizer well before the first freeze to strengthen root systems.
- Overseeding: If overseeding or laying new turf, apply a high-phosphorus starter fertilizer (such as 18-24-12) roughly 10 days post-seeding to encourage root establishment.
We Recommend the Following Products for South east Texas Lawns
Scotts Turf Builder Bonus S Southern Weed & Feed
- MADE FOR SOUTHERN LAWNS: This formula is specifically designed to be used on St. Augustinegrass (including floratam), centipedegrass, zoysiagrass, and carpetgrass lawns
- KILLS DOLLARWEED AND CLOVER: Say goodbye to some of the toughest weeds in the South; this formula kills over 25 listed weeds, including dollarweed, clover, and chickweed
- FEEDS FOR A THICK, STRONG LAWN: While it’s taking out weeds, it’s also feeding your grass to help it build strong, deep roots and crowd out any new weeds that try to move in
The St. Augustine Seasonal Fertilizer Schedule
| Application Window | Target Months | Fertilizer Type / NPK Focus | Purpose & Application Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1: Spring Green-Up | April – May (After mowing 2x) | Balanced slow-release (e.g., 16-4-8 or 15-0-15) | 1 lb Nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft. Kickstarts growth. Do not apply early while grass is dormant, or a late frost will kill new growth. |
| Round 2: Early Summer | May – June | Nitrogen-heavy slow-release (e.g., Lesco 24-2-11) | 0.5 to 1 lb Nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft. This is the most critical feeding for dense growth before peak summer heat hits. |
| Round 3: Mid-Summer | July – August | Low-Nitrogen + High Iron (e.g., Milorganite 6-4-0 or Ironite) | 0.5 lb Nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft max. High nitrogen in summer heat fuels Gray Leaf Spot fungus and attracts destructive chinch bugs. Iron provides deep greening without forcing risky top growth. |
| Round 4: Fall Maintenance | Sept – Mid-Oct (4–6 weeks before frost) | Potassium-heavy winterizer (e.g., 15-0-15 or 0-0-25) | 1 lb Nitrogen (or pure Potassium) per 1,000 sq ft. Builds winter hardiness and root strength. Never fertilize past October as dormant grass cannot absorb nutrients, causing toxic groundwater runoff. |
Critical St. Augustine Rules
- Check the Weather: Never apply fertilizer if heavy rain is forecast within 24 hours. It will wash right off your lawn and into storm drains.
- Mow First: Always mow your lawn a day or two before fertilizing so the granules reach the soil surface rather than getting trapped on tall blades.
- Water Immediately: Apply to completely dry grass, then irrigate with 1/4 to 1/2 inch of water right away to activate the fertilizer and prevent nitrogen burn.
- Herbicide Warning: St. Augustine is exceptionally sensitive to standard lawn weed killers. If using a combination “Weed & Feed” product, ensure it is specifically labeled safe for St. Augustine (usually utilizing Atrazine) and do not use it when temperatures exceed 85°F.