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LSU's Tiger Stadium has installed Celebration Bermudagrass for the 2010 football season and beyond.  "Death Valley" is just the latest LSU park to add Celebration.  The softball, baseball and soccer facilities already use this improved, dark green bermudagrass.  Click on the video to get a closer look. 

St. Augustine Grass - Care and Maintenance - Summer 2010

Video Notes:


Step 1 - Fertilization.  If you didn't fertilize in the Spring, you can apply a fertilizer with a 1-1 ration of nitrogen to potassium...like a 15-0-15.  The middle number is phosphorus and it can usually be zero.  If you did fertilize in the Spring, you can wait till late Summer or early Fall to do so again.  A 2-0-1 ratio fertilizer is also ok for St. Augustines....like a 16-0-8.

Step 2 - Irrigation.  Don't overwater in the hot months.  St. Augustines need about an inch of water per week either from in-ground irrigation or natural rainfall.  Water in the early morning hours for best results.  Too much water can lead to fungus outbreaks, like Grey Leaf Spot.  

Step 3 - Mowing.  You will likely mow more often in the Summer.  Just make sure to not remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade when mowing.  Mowing too low can stress the grass and it will turn brown.  If you miss a mowing, it might take multiple mowings to get the grass back to the height you like.  Wait about 3-5 days between each mowing.  

Watch out for Chinch Bugs.  If you find them in you yard, use an insecticide with bifenthrin or carbaryl to get rid of the infestation.    

 

St. Augustine Grass - Care and Maintenance - Spring 2010

Video Notes:


Step 1 - Apply Fertilizer.  We recommend something with a 2-0-1 ratio  (eg...(16-0-8))

Step 2 - Prevent the onset of Summer weeds by applying Pre-emergent herbicide.  You can buy it already mixed in with the fertilizer.

Step 3 - Watch out for fungus...especially Grey-Leaf Spot and Brown Patch.  If you have had problems before or have an area with extra shade or moisture, apply a fungicide with an active ingredient.  Water 1 inch per week, either from natural rainfall or from inground irrigation.  Overwatering can lead to disease of turfgrass.

Step 4 - Hold off applying insecticide to begin Spring.  Monitor grass each week.  Chinch bugs are the number one St. Augustine enemy, but usually start showing up in Summer through early Fall.  If you get chinch bugs, treat with an insecticide that contains Bifenthrin or Carbaryl.