Achieving a vibrant, healthy St Augustine grass lawn during spring requires the right fertilizer tailored to its unique nutrient needs. With numerous options available, selecting a product that promotes growth, controls weeds, and supplies balanced nutrients is essential. Below is a summary table of top fertilizers designed specifically for St Augustine grass, highlighting their key features, brands, and coverage areas to help you make an informed choice.
| Product Name | Brand | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK – Lawn Food Quality Liquid Fertilizer | Simple Lawn Solutions | Balanced 16-4-8 NPK, seaweed & fish nutrients, easy spray application |
| Scotts Green Max Lawn Food with Iron | Scotts | Dual-action fertilizer plus iron for fast greening in 3 days |
| LESCO 50 lb. St. Augustine Grass Weed and Feed with Penoxsulam | LESCO | 17-0-17 formula, slow-release, safe for Floratam, weed control |
| Fertilome St. Augustine Weed & Feed 15-0-4 | ferti-lome | Pre & post-emergent weed control, 15-0-4 fertilizer mix |
| Sunniland Weed & Feed 20-0-6 Lawn Fertilizer | Generic | Easy granules, two applications for spring and fall |
Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK Liquid Fertilizer for St Augustine Grass
This liquid fertilizer from Simple Lawn Solutions offers a balanced 16-4-8 NPK ratio enriched with seaweed and fish ingredients that provide your St Augustine lawn with essential macronutrients. It’s formulated for easy application with a spray bottle, delivering nitrogen, phosphate, and potash efficiently to boost greening and stimulate robust growth. Its ready-to-use liquid form allows for quick nutrient absorption, making it ideal for spring and summer care. The inclusion of natural ingredients aids in holistic lawn nourishment, promoting a lush and healthy turf.
Scotts Green Max Lawn Food with Iron for Rapid Greening
Scotts Green Max combines a fertilizer plus iron supplement designed to promote deep greening in just three days. The formula includes 16.67% nitrogen and 5% iron, the latter of which enhances chlorophyll production. This dual-action fertilizer supports vigorous growth and improved color while being safe for all grass types including St Augustine. It’s suitable for spring application, helping your lawn quickly recover and flourish after winter dormancy. The iron content also improves lawn resilience and overall appearance.
LESCO 50 lb. St. Augustine Grass Weed and Feed with Penoxsulam
This professional-grade product is tailored specifically for St Augustine grass with a 17-0-17 NPK formulation containing slow-release nitrogen and potash. It features Penoxsulam herbicide, effective for controlling weeds while feeding the lawn. Ideal for application on wet turf, it provides feeding that lasts up to eight weeks. It’s also safe for the Floratam variety of St Augustine grass. The slow-release components reduce frequent feeding needs and boost sustained growth and durability during spring and beyond.
Fertilome St. Augustine Weed & Feed 15-0-4 Fertilizer
Designed for St Augustine, Centipede, and Zoysia grasses, this fertilizer combines a effective 15-0-4 nutrient mix with pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides. It controls a broad spectrum of common lawn weeds while nourishing the grass. Not recommended for Bermuda or northern grasses, this product is ideal for spring application to keep your St Augustine lawn healthy and weed-free. Fertilome provides a well-balanced nutrient profile that encourages steady growth without over-fertilizing.
Sunniland Weed & Feed 20-0-6 Lawn Fertilizer for St. Augustine
Sunniland offers an easy-to-apply weed and feed granule fertilizer designed for St Augustine grass coverage of up to 5,000 square feet. Its 20-0-6 formula emphasizes nitrogen and potassium for strong turf growth and root development. This product requires two applications per year—spring and fall—to effectively manage weeds and boost lawn health. The granules spread evenly, ensuring consistent nutrient delivery and weed suppression tailored for southern lawns.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Fertilizer for St Augustine Grass in Spring
Choosing the right fertilizer for St Augustine grass depends on several crucial factors to ensure your lawn thrives during the spring growth season. Here are key considerations:
Nutrient Composition (NPK Ratio)
St Augustine grass benefits from a fertilizer rich in nitrogen (N) to promote greening and rapid leaf growth. Balanced phosphate (P) supports root development, while potassium (K) strengthens disease resistance and drought tolerance. Spring fertilizers commonly feature higher nitrogen ratios with moderate potassium.
Weed Control Integration
Fertilizers combined with pre- and post-emergent herbicides provide convenience by feeding your lawn while managing common weeds. Weed and feed products specifically formulated for St Augustine grass can reduce the need for multiple lawn care products.
Application Method
Choose between liquid and granular forms based on your preference. Liquid fertilizers allow for quick nutrient absorption, are easy to apply with sprayers, but may require more frequent applications. Granular fertilizers offer slow-release benefits and longer feeding intervals suitable for larger lawn areas.
Release Rate
Slow-release nitrogen ensures steady feeding over weeks, reducing the risk of fertilizer burn and minimizing frequent applications. Some products combine quick-release with slow-release forms to provide both immediate and sustained nutrient availability.
Lawn Size and Coverage
Ensure the fertilizer’s coverage matches your lawn size to optimize usage and avoid over- or under-application. Products range from small liquid bottles for spot treatment to large bags suitable for several thousand square feet.
Grass Type Compatibility
Confirm that the fertilizer is formulated for St Augustine grass. Some products cater to warm-season grasses broadly, while others are more specific. Avoid fertilizers not labeled for St Augustine to prevent potential turf damage.
Additional Nutrients and Enhancers
Fertilizers with added iron or natural supplements like seaweed can enhance leaf color and overall lawn vigor. Micronutrients help improve lawn resilience against environmental stressors.
By evaluating these factors, you can choose a spring fertilizer that promotes a thick, green, and weed-free St Augustine lawn throughout the growing season.