Maintaining vibrant St Augustine grass comes down to choosing the right fertilizer, especially during the vital spring growing season. This article explores top fertilizer options specially formulated to nourish and enhance St Augustine lawns in spring. Below is a summary table of carefully selected products suited for boosting growth, greening, and weed control.
| Product | Type | Key Features | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK – Simple Lawn Solutions | Liquid Fertilizer | Balanced NPK with Seaweed & Fish, ready-to-use spray | Varies by application |
| Scotts Green Max Lawn Food | Granular Fertilizer + Iron Supplement | Feeds lawn and deep greens within 3 days, contains 5% iron | 5,000 sq. ft. |
| LESCO 50 lb. St. Augustine Grass Weed and Feed | Granular Fertilizer + Weed Control | Slow-release, 17-0-17 NPK specifically for St. Augustine | 13,000 sq. ft. |
| Fertilome St. Augustine Weed & Feed 15-0-4 | Granular Weed & Feed Fertilizer | Pre- and post-emergent weed control, 15-0-4 NPK mix | 12.8 lbs. bag coverage |
| Sunniland Weed & Feed 20-0-6 | Granular Weed & Feed Fertilizer | Easy spreading granules, for spring and fall applications | 5,000 sq. ft. |
Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK Liquid Fertilizer
This liquid fertilizer offers a precise 16-4-8 nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio that balances turf growth and root strength, ideal for spring. It contains natural enhancers like seaweed and fish extracts which provide micronutrients and improve overall lawn health. The ready-to-use spray bottle makes application simple and uniform across the lawn. Its complete nutrient profile supports lush greenery and vigorous growth, making it suitable for any grass type including St Augustine.
Scotts Green Max Lawn Food Plus Iron Supplement
Scotts Green Max combines fertilizer with a 5% iron supplement, designed to feed your lawn and produce visible greening within 3 days. Its dual-action formula gives vital nutrients to St Augustine grass and any other grass type. The iron aids chlorophyll production, enhancing the rich green color. This product is efficient for spring, summer, or fall applications, making it a versatile choice for consistent lawn health all year round.
LESCO 50 lb. St. Augustine Grass Weed and Feed Fertilizer
This professional-grade weed and feed fertilizer is formulated with 17-0-17 NPK and features 30% poly coated sulfur-coated urea for slow nutrient release. Specifically designed for St Augustine lawns including the Floratam variety, it provides up to 8 weeks of feeding after application. Applying it on wet turf ensures better absorption. This product controls weeds effectively while promoting healthy turf growth across a large coverage area.
Fertilome St. Augustine Weed & Feed 15-0-4 Fertilizer
This product combines pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicide with a 15-0-4 fertilizer, targeting common lawn weeds while nourishing St Augustine grass. It’s recommended for Centipede and Zoysia grasses as well but should not be used on Bermuda or northern grasses. The weed control aspect helps maintain turf density by reducing weed competition during the crucial spring growth phase.
Sunniland Weed & Feed 20-0-6 Lawn Fertilizer for St. Augustine
Designed for ease of use, Sunniland Weed & Feed provides 20-0-6 nutrients with weed control included. Its granules are easy to spread, making lawn application straightforward. It is recommended for two applications per year—spring and fall—and is suitable for all types of St Augustine grass. This granular formula helps maintain a thick, healthy lawn by controlling weeds and supplying key nutrients.
Buying Guide: Choosing The Right Fertilizer For St Augustine Grass In Spring
Selecting the best fertilizer depends on several factors that affect your lawn’s health and appearance during the spring growing season. Consider the following key aspects before making a purchase:
Nutrient Ratio (N-P-K)
The nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) ratio is crucial. St Augustine grass typically thrives with a balanced nitrogen to potassium ratio to promote green leaves and strong roots. Nitrogen encourages foliage growth; phosphorus supports root development, and potassium improves disease resistance. Look for formulas with moderate phosphorus, higher nitrogen, and adequate potassium, like 16-4-8 or 17-0-17, depending on soil test results.
Formulation Type: Liquid vs Granular
Liquid fertilizers offer fast nutrient absorption for quick greening and are easy to apply with sprayers. Granular fertilizers provide slow-release nutrients that feed lawns over weeks, reducing frequent applications. Weed-and-feed granular options provide simultaneous weed control and fertilization, simplifying lawn care maintenance.
Weed Control Needs
If weeds are a concern, choose a fertilizer that includes pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides specifically safe for St Augustine grass. This dual-action helps maintain turf density by reducing weed competition in spring, allowing the grass to flourish.
Iron Supplementation
Iron is a micronutrient that enhances chlorophyll production and leaf greening. Fertilizers with added iron ensure your lawn develops a deep green color quickly. Products like Scotts Green Max include this vital nutrient for rapid color improvement.
Grass Type Compatibility
Ensure the fertilizer is formulated specifically for St Augustine grass or compatible with your grass type. Some fertilizers designed for other grass species (Bermuda or Centipede) may damage St Augustine turf. Check labels carefully to avoid adverse effects.
Application Coverage and Frequency
Consider the size of your lawn and the fertilizer coverage per bag or bottle. Larger bags covering 10,000+ sq. ft. provide value for bigger lawns. Also, note recommended application frequency — some products require biannual applications, others need more frequent feeding in active growth months.
Environmental Impact and Safety
Opt for fertilizers made with high-quality, feed-grade ingredients or natural additives like seaweed or fish extracts, which may reduce environmental impact. Always follow label instructions to ensure safe use and protect surrounding plants and water sources.