Palmetto St. Augustine Turfgrass

Finer textured leaf and stolen when compared to Raleigh. Tighter leaf spacing gives it a thicker look. Requires 3 to 4 hours of direct sunlight with filtered sun throughout the day. Because of the denser turf appearance, it gives a better sod appearance in the shade. Massive root system gives this grass good drought resistance.

Potential disease problems are gray leaf spot in the summer and brown patch in the fall. Both of these diseases are enhanced by over watering and after fertilization. These diseases can be prevented by an application of the fungicide, Terrachlor (PCNB). Terrachlor is the product of choice, but it is difficult to find. Scotts Lawn Fungus Control or Turficide is an alternative that can be found at home improvement stores. Potential insect problems include chinch bugs. This insect becomes active during hot dry periods.

They are first detected by brown patches in the lawn that do not recover after watering. A variety of liquid and granular insecticides are available to control chinch bugs. Make an application to the entire lawn and water thoroughly to eliminate the problem.

Characteristics:

• Water Requirements: Medium
• Leaf Texture: Fine
• Cold Tolerance: Low - Medium
• Shade Tolerance: High.