Maintaining a lush and vibrant St Augustine grass lawn during the fall requires the right fertilizer to support its unique nutrient needs. Choosing fertilizers specifically formulated for St Augustine grass in fall helps promote deep root growth, enhance greening, and control weeds. Below is a comparison table summarizing key features of top fertilizers suited for this purpose, highlighting coverage, nutrient content, and special benefits like weed control and iron supplementation.
| Product | Coverage | NPK Ratio | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotts Green Max Lawn Food | 5,000 sq. ft. | Not specified, with 5% Iron | Dual-action formula; fast greening in 3 days; iron supplement |
| LESCO St. Augustine Weed and Feed | 13,000 sq. ft. | 17-0-17 | Slow-release feeding up to 8 weeks; safe for Floratam; wet turf application |
| Fertilome St. Augustine Weed & Feed | Not specified | 15-0-4 | Pre/post-emergent weed control; designed for St Augustine |
| Sunniland Weed & Feed Lawn Fertilizer | 5,000 sq. ft. | 20-0-6 | Easy granules; suitable for all St Augustine grass types; 2 applications recommended |
| SeedRanch St. Augustine Lawn Fertilizer | 12,000 sq. ft. | 24-2-11 with 6% Iron | Includes iron for greening; suitable for large lawns; nutrient-rich formula |
Scotts Green Max Lawn Food with Iron
Scotts Green Max Lawn Food is a specially formulated fertilizer and iron supplement designed to stimulate fast and deep greening of lawns, including St Augustine grass. Its dual-action formula combines essential nutrients with 5% iron, accelerating the greening process within just three days.
This lawn fertilizer works effectively across various grass types and is safe for use during spring, summer, or fall. The iron content supports vibrant, dark green hues while providing balanced nutrition for healthy growth. It’s an excellent choice for homeowners seeking quick results and an overall boost to lawn appearance during the cooler months.
LESCO 50 lb. St. Augustine Grass Weed and Feed
This professional-grade fertilizer from LESCO is optimized for St Augustine grass, containing a nutrient ratio of 17-0-17. It features slow-release nitrogen providing up to 8 weeks of feeding, which helps sustain lawn health through the fall season.
LESCO’s Weed and Feed is safe for the Floratam variety and incorporates a special weed control agent, Penoxsulam. The product should be applied on wet turf and allowed to dry, with visible nutrient results appearing within two weeks. Its poly-coated sulfur urea ensures steady nutrient release, supporting sustained growth and weed suppression.
Fertilome St. Augustine Weed & Feed 15-0-4 Fertilizer
Fertilome combines weed control with fertilizer to meet the specific needs of St Augustine grass with its 15-0-4 nutrient ratio. Designed for both pre-emergent and post-emergent weed protection, it prevents unwanted growth while nourishing your turf.
This formula is suitable for St Augustine, Centipede, and Zoysia grasses but should not be used on Bermuda or northern grass species. The dual-purpose nature streamlines fall lawn care by addressing nutrition and weed management simultaneously.
Sunniland Weed & Feed 20-0-6 for St. Augustine Grass
Sunniland offers an easy-to-spread granular fertilizer designed for all types of St Augustine grasses. With a nutrient profile of 20-0-6, it supports strong turf development and effective weed control.
This product is typically applied twice per year—in spring and fall—making it a simple solution for maintaining an attractive lawn. Its formulation enhances turf persistence and helps lawns recover from summer stress as they transition into cooler months.
SeedRanch St. Augustine Lawn Fertilizer 24-2-11 with Iron
SeedRanch delivers a nutrient-rich fertilizer with a 24-2-11 NPK ratio plus 6% iron, tailored for St Augustine grass. Covering up to 12,000 square feet, it provides excellent value for medium to large lawns looking to recover and green up during fall.
The presence of iron enhances leaf color and growth vigor, while the balanced nutrients sustain overall lawn health. This formula supports root development and prepares the grass for winter dormancy or continued growth in warmer fall climates.
Buying Guide for Fertilizer for St Augustine Grass in Fall
Choosing the right fertilizer for St Augustine grass in fall involves considering several important factors to ensure optimal turf health:
Nutrient Composition (NPK Ratio)
The NPK ratio (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) should match fall lawn needs. A higher Nitrogen content encourages green, leafy growth, whereas Potassium strengthens roots and stress tolerance. Phosphorus supports root development but is often minimal in mature lawns. Fertilizers like 24-2-11 or 17-0-17 provide a good balance for fall applications.
Iron Content
Iron supplements, present in many effective fertilizers, promote rich, dark green color without excessive growth. Products with about 5% to 6% iron, such as Scotts Green Max and SeedRanch formulas, can improve turf greening during cooler months.
Weed Control Integration
Fall fertilizing can be combined with weed treatments. Fertilizers labeled as “Weed and Feed” offer pre- and post-emergent herbicides to reduce crabgrass and broadleaf weeds effectively. However, ensure compatibility with St Augustine grass to avoid damage, as seen with products containing Penoxsulam.
Application Timing and Coverage
Fall application timing is crucial. Fertilizers designed for fall use help prepare the grass for winter or extend the growing season in mild climates. Coverage area varies; choose product sizes adequate for your lawn’s square footage for efficient use.
Slow-Release vs. Quick-Release
Slow-release fertilizers provide nutrients steadily, reducing application frequency and minimizing nutrient runoff. Quick-release options offer faster greening but may require more frequent feeding. LESCO’s slow-release formula provides up to 8 weeks of feeding, ideal for sustained nutrition.
Grass Type Compatibility
Ensure the fertilizer is specifically formulated for St Augustine grass. Certain fertilizers might adversely affect other grass types or northern varieties and may contain herbicides unsuitable for St Augustine lawns.