Choosing the right fertilizer for St Augustine grass helps maintain a lush, disease-resistant lawn. This guide reviews select feeds that support growth, color, and weed control, with practical guidance on when and how to apply each product. The following picks focus on established formulations designed for St Augustine varieties, including pre- and post-emergent options and slow-release blends. Review summaries and a buying guide follow to help you compare options and make an informed decision.
| Product | Brand | Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilome (13915) St. Augustine Weed & Feed 15-0-4 | ferti-lome | Weed & Feed | Pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control with balanced 15-0-4 fertilizer |
| LESCO 50 lb. St. Augustine Grass Weed and Feed with Penoxsulam | LESCO | Weed & Feed | Specially formulated for St. Augustine with slow release and flor‑tame compatibility |
| Sunniland Weed & Feed 20-0-6 Lawn Fertilizer | Generic | Weed & Feed | Dual-action weed suppression and nutrient delivery for St. Augustine |
| Scotts Liquid Turf Builder Lawn Fertilizer | Scotts | Liquid Fertilizer | 2-in-1 fertilizer and watering solution for active growth |
| Palmetto St. Augustine Grass Plugs | Generic | Grass Plugs | Plug-and-play establishment for Palmetto St. Augustine turf |
Note: Prices are not included and may vary by retailer. Always follow product-specific instructions for application rates and safety guidelines, especially around pre-emergent chemicals and turf varieties compatible with your region.
Fertilome (13915) St. Augustine Weed & Feed 15-0-4
Fertilome (13915) St. Augustine Weed & Feed 15-0-4 (12.8 lbs.)
Product overview: This product combines a weed control solution with a fertilizer formulation specifically designed for Centipede, Zoysia, and St. Augustine lawns. It features a 15-0-4 N-P-K ratio intended to support nutrient uptake while suppressing weeds. Users should note its guidance not to apply on Bermuda grasses or other northern grass types.
How it works: The herbicidal components provide pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control, which helps reduce crabgrass and other common lawn weeds when applied according to label directions. The slow-release nutrient blend assists with steady growth and turf recovery after weed suppression.
When to use: Best applied during the weed-appropriate seasons and as directed for St. Augustine lawns. Do not apply to non-target grasses, and observe any regional restrictions noted by the manufacturer.
Key considerations: Ensure the lawn has adequate moisture before application and water in as directed. Since this product combines weed control with fertilizer, timing is important to synchronize weed management with turf feeding for optimal results.
LESCO 50 lb. St. Augustine Grass Weed and Feed with Penoxsulam
LESCO 50 lb. St. Augustine Grass Weed and Feed with Penoxsulam
Product overview: LESCO’s 50 lb blend targets St. Augustine grasses with a formulation that includes Penoxsulam as a primary weed-control agent and an 17-0-17 fertilizer base. It’s designed to feed for up to eight weeks with slow-release characteristics, supporting Floratam varieties and other common St. Augustine cultivars.
How it works: The product claims slow release across approximately eight weeks, with specific instructions to apply when the turf is wet and allow it to dry before resuming normal activity. The fertilizer and weed-control combination aims to reduce weed competition while providing steady nutrition.
When to use: Best used during active growth periods and when weeds are present or anticipated. Floratam compatibility suggests suitability for common St. Augustine types in warmer climates.
Key considerations: Slow-release nutrients help minimize risk of fertilizer burn. It’s important to follow label directions for watering timing and application rates to maximize weed suppression and lawn health.
Sunniland Weed & Feed 20-0-6 Lawn Fertilizer 5000 sq. ft. for St. Augustine
Sunniland Weed & Feed 20-0-6 Lawn Fertilizer
Product overview: The Sunniland Weed & Feed product line offers a 20-0-6 formulation tailored for St. Augustine lawns, designed to deliver weed suppression alongside essential nutrients. It’s marketed as an easy-to-spread option with a total coverage suitability for typical residential lawns.
How it works: The formulation provides a weed-control component paired with a nutrient blend, enabling practical application in one step. It is designed for use on St. Augustine grasses, supporting establishment and maintenance through the growing season.
When to use: Apply during weed pressure periods in spring and fall, following label timing. Ensure the area is watered as directed after application to activate the product.
Key considerations: Proper application rate is essential to prevent over- or under-application. Check compatibility with existing herbicide programs and avoid applying during extreme heat to minimize turf stress.
Scotts Liquid Turf Builder Lawn Fertilizer
Scotts Liquid Turf Builder Lawn Fertilizer
Product overview: Scotts Liquid Turf Builder is a liquid fertilizer designed to feed lawns and promote growth across various grass types, including St Augustine. The product is marketed as a convenient solution that also helps with watering during application, effectively delivering nutrients and moisture in one step.
How it works: As a liquid formulation, it allows for rapid nutrient uptake by actively growing turf. The dual-action design supports feeding while simultaneously providing moisture, simplifying routine lawn care routines.
When to use: Suitable for ongoing feeding during the growing season, particularly when turf shows signs of nutrient deficiency or when quick improvement is desired. Follow dilution and application guidelines carefully to avoid feeding stress.
Key considerations: Ensure even coverage for uniform green up. This product is compatible with multiple grass types but verify that it suits your specific St Augustine cultivar and local climate conditions.
Palmetto St. Augustine Grass Plugs
Palmetto St. Augustine Grass Plugs
Product overview: These Palmetto St. Augustine plugs provide a plug-and-play option for repairing or expanding an existing lawn. Each plug is designed to establish quickly, with a texture described as soft and dense to promote an even lawn appearance over time.
How it works: Plugs are planted in the prepared soil and gradually grow to form a dense turf. Coverage goals depend on spacing and maturity but the product is intended for lawn repair or initial establishment.
When to use: Ideal for renovating damaged areas or creating new patches in St. Augustine lawns. Suitable for moderate to warm climates where Palmetto varieties thrive.
Key considerations: California and Arizona restrictions apply according to the product listing. Ensure proper site preparation, adequate irrigation, and appropriate spacing to achieve uniform coverage as plugs mature.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations for St. Augustine Grass Feeds
Grass type compatibility: St. Augustine grasses come in several varieties (e.g., Floratam, Palmetto, Seville). Choose products labeled for St. Augustine or compatible with your specific cultivar to maximize performance and avoid turf injury.
Weed control vs. fertilizer balance: If weed control is a priority, select a weed-and-feed product that targets common St. Augustine weeds without harming the lawn. For sensitive climates or broad weed pressure, consider a separate weed control program paired with a dedicated fertilizer.
Formulation type: Decide between granules, pellets, and liquids. Granular products offer longer residual effects and are easier to store; liquids provide quick nutrient delivery and can be convenient for watering-in routines. Slow-release formulas reduce risk of fertilizer burn and require less frequent applications.
Application timing: Align feeding with the lawn’s growth cycle and regional climate. Early spring and late summer are common windows for feeding, while weed-control windows depend on the weed species present and the product’s active ingredients. Always follow the label for timing, rates, and safety.
Environmental and safety considerations: Some products contain herbicides that may impact non-target plants or waterways. Observe label directions, avoid over-application, and consider buffer zones near sidewalks, driveways, and water sources. Wear protective gear as recommended.
Coverage and sizing: Check the coverage area and how many square feet a single bag or bottle covers to estimate the number of bags or containers needed for your lawn size. For plugs, plan the number of plugs required to achieve uniform coverage based on spacing guidance.
Maintenance integration: Integrate feeding with mowing and irrigation schedules. Reduce mowing height only after turf has acclimated to a new feed, and adjust irrigation to accommodate fertilizer uptake and prevent runoff or washout.