August can be one of the most challenging lawn months, especially in St. Augustine, FL, where it’s hot and humid.
It’s not unusual for homeowners to see their once-green lawns turn brown or thin out. If you are asking yourself, “Why is my grass dying in August?” you’re not alone. Many things could kill your lawn, from drought stress to bad mowing habits.
Here’s a look at some of the most common culprits and what you can do to keep your grass healthy all summer.
Drought Stress
One of the biggest reasons grass dies in August is drought stress. The month’s heat causes grass to lose moisture faster than it can be replaced, especially if it’s not raining. When your grass doesn’t get enough water, it wilts, turns brown, and dies. Here’s how you can deal with this problem:
Water Deeply and Often
To protect your lawn from the heat of August, you must ensure it is regularly profoundly watered. Deep watering means the water penetrates several inches into the soil to the grass’s deeper root system.
This encourages the roots to grow deeper, making them more drought-tolerant. Shallow watering only wets the soil’s surface, which causes the roots to stay near the surface, where they are more prone to drying out. Deep-rooted grass is better equipped to handle extended heat and no rain periods, so it’s a must-do during the hot summer months.
Water in the Morning
Timing is everything when it comes to watering your lawn. The best time to water your grass is in the morning, preferably between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. During these early hours, the temperatures are more relaxed, and the winds are calm, so less water is lost to evaporation.
Watering in the morning gives the grass time to absorb the moisture it needs to stay hydrated during the day.
It also gives the grass time to dry before the cooler night temperatures set in, reducing the risk of fungal growth and other diseases that thrive in damp conditions.
Don’t water in the middle of the day, as the heat will cause most of the water to evaporate before it can be absorbed. Watering in the evening will leave the grass too wet overnight and promote disease.
Use a Sprinkler Timer
Use a sprinkler timer to maintain a regular watering schedule, especially during the busy summer months.
A timer allows you to set specific times for your sprinklers to turn on and off so your lawn is watered at the optimal times of the day without having to do it manually. Setting your sprinklers to run in the morning and possibly in the evening (if additional watering is needed) will ensure your lawn is watered during the hottest parts of the day.
Consistency will prevent stress on the lawn from irregular watering, weakening the grass and making it more prone to drought, heat, and other damaging conditions. Using a timer will help conserve water by preventing overwatering, which can be just as bad as underwatering.
Poor Mowing Practices
Another common reason grass dies in August is poor mowing. Cutting your grass too short exposes it to more heat, weakening the blades and roots and making them more prone to damage from insects, diseases, and the sun. Here’s what you can do to help with this problem:
- Raise Your Mower Blades: Keep your mower blades at 3-4 inches to protect your grass from the summer heat and maintain robust root systems.
- Mow at the Right Time: Don’t mow in the middle of the day. Mow early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler.
Pests and Lawn Diseases
Insects and diseases can destroy your lawn, especially during August’s warm and humid conditions. Pests like grubs, chinch bugs, crumbs moths, and fungal diseases like brown patches and dollar spots are common culprits. Here you can do to help with this problem:
- Aerate Your Lawn: Aeration improves soil oxygenation and nutrient absorption, making your lawn more resistant to pests and diseases.
- Apply Fungicides and Pesticides: Use fungicidal treatments and natural or chemical pesticides to control infestations and prevent the spread of diseases.
- Check Daily: Check your lawn daily for pests or diseases, especially in the morning, and treat any issues immediately.
Soil Compaction
Soil compaction is another problem that can kill your lawn. When the soil is too compacted, it doesn’t absorb water well, which can stunt root growth and kill your grass. Here’s what you can do:
- Aerate the Soil: Aerate your lawn if it has heavy foot traffic or clay soil. For heavily used lawns, aerate twice a year; for lighter use, once a year is enough.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Lack of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can weaken and kill grass, especially during the summer stress. Here’s what you can do:
- Test Your Soil: Test your soil at the beginning of spring and fall to know the nutrient levels and apply fertilizer as needed.
- Use Slow-Release Fertilizer. This fertilizer provides a steady supply of nutrients and promotes healthy growth without over-fertilization.
- Don’t Over-Fertilize: Too much fertilizer can cause thatch buildup, making your lawn more prone to disease.
How Can We Help?
Baker Company Inc. is your go-to expert for keeping your St. Augustine lawn healthy and vibrant, especially during the challenging summer months. We offer a range of services designed to address the specific issues your lawn might face in August. Here’s how we can help:
- Customized Watering Plans: We design deep watering schedules tailored to your lawn’s needs to combat drought stress.
- Professional Mowing Services: Our team ensures your grass is mowed at the optimal height and time to maintain health.
- Pest and Disease Management: We provide comprehensive pest and disease control, including regular monitoring, aeration, and safe, effective treatments.
- Soil Testing and Fertilization: We conduct thorough soil testing to determine nutrient deficiencies and apply slow-release fertilizers to promote healthy, vigorous grass.
- Aeration Services: We offer expert aeration to relieve soil compaction, ensuring your grass can access the air, water, and nutrients it needs to thrive.
FAQs
Why is my St. Augustine grass turning brown in August?
St. Augustine grass turns brown in August due to drought stress, heat, pests, and nutrient deficiencies. High temperatures combined with a lack of watering or poor lawn care practices can weaken the grass and make it more prone to browning. Regular deep watering, proper mowing height, and timely fertilization can help keep your lawn healthy.
How often should I water St. Augustine grass in August?
To keep your St. Augustine grass healthy in August, water it three times a week in the morning. Deep watering is critical. Ensure the water penetrates at least 1-1.5 inches into the soil. This will help the grass develop deep roots and be more heat and drought-resistant.
How to mow St. Augustine grass in summer?
For summer health, mow your St. Augustine grass 3-4 inches high. This height will shade the soil, reduce evaporation, and retain moisture. To minimize stress on the grass, don’t mow during the hottest part of the day.
How can pests and diseases be prevented in August?
In August, check your lawn daily for signs of infestation or infection to prevent pests and diseases. Aerate your lawn, use fungicides, and apply natural or chemical pesticides to control grubs and chinch bugs. Don’t overwater, as excess moisture can promote fungal growth.
How can soil be improved and lawn damage prevented in August?
Improving soil is key to preventing lawn damage. Aerate your lawn at least once a year to relieve soil compaction and promote root growth. Test your soil periodically to determine nutrient levels and apply balanced slow-release fertilizer as needed. Proper fertilization, along with deep watering, will help your grass survive August.
Book an Appointment With Us Today!
Maintaining a healthy lawn in St. Augustine during the hot and humid month of August can be challenging, but with the proper care and attention, it’s possible to keep your grass green and thriving.
At Baker Company Inc., we understand the unique challenges of maintaining a beautiful lawn in St. Augustine, especially during summer. Our team of landscaping experts is here to provide you with the best solutions tailored to your lawn’s specific needs.
Whether you’re struggling with brown spots thinning grass or simply want to ensure your lawn stays healthy and lush, we have the experience and expertise to help.
Call us today for any landscape maintenance in St. Augustine, FL, landscaping in St. Augustine, FL, landscapers near me, or landscapers in St. Augustine Beach. Let Baker Company Inc. take the stress out of lawn care and keep your lawn looking its best all summer.
