St. Augustine was thick and green last year but now looks dead

by Legacy post · 2016-05-11

Teri – posted 01 April 2007 19:46

I am new to this and need some help. For the past three summers my St. Augustine lawn has been lush and green. Last summer I started noticing what looked like “runners” spreading all over on top of the grass and everywhere you stepped, the grass sank in for about a foot around. Now, though some of the grass has turned green, the part where the “runners” were thickest is brown and you can see the dead blades down between the stems. When you walk on it now it feels like small pebbles under your feet. I tried pulling out the dead stems and blades, but it’s too much and it leaves bare spots in my yard. I thought maybe it needs to be dethatched, but I don’t know how. Can someone please help and tell me what I need to do? Thanks!

theplantation2860 – posted 01 April 2007 21:28

I just finished dethaching mine this weekend. From what you describe, yours does need to be dethached also. I rented a Husqvarna machine from Sunbelt. It works good, but you’ll be suprised at how much it cuts up. I used the bagger on my riding mower to pick it up. I had to empty the bagger after one pass. I’ve taken pic before and during, I’ll try to post them soon as well as some follow-ups.

Teri – posted 02 April 2007 10:15

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond! I live in Houston, do you think it is too late to dethatch?

theplantation2860 – posted 02 April 2007 14:13

Not at all, in fact you want to wait until the grass starts growing again after winter. This should be about the ideal time. It can be a good bit of work, how much turf do you have?

Teri – posted 02 April 2007 17:55

I live on a postage stamp sized lot so it won’t be that big of a deal with a machine. I could really probably do it by hand if I had the time and energy. Thanks so much for your help and advice.

Almaroad – posted 25 April 2007 12:43

St. Augustine needs about 1 pound of nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft every 45-60 days. Do not over water it ( about 1″ per week). Now the biggie: St. Augustine decline suffers from lack of micro nutrients that watering and chemical treatments take away. One of the best things you can do for it is to overdress with cow-manure. Yes that right–but not that raw smelly stuff right from the barn. Go to Lowes, Home Depot, Walmart and buy many bags. crack them open and beging to use a rake and spread it about 1/4″ on top of the grass. It will settle down into the roots after a few waterings. Also add a little iron to it about Mid-July to August and DO NOT FERTILIZE it after August 31 or so. Let us know. I’d overdress it with the cow manure now, although it should be done in the fall. Another tip is to use the micro-nutrient mix from Lesco.