Maintaining St. Augustine grass during winter requires the right fertilizer to keep it lush and weed-free. Below is a summary of top fertilizers designed to support St. Augustine lawns through the colder months, enhancing nutrient absorption and weed control.
| Product | Key Features | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Fertilome St. Augustine Weed & Feed 15-0-4 | Pre & post-emergent weed control, specific for St. Augustine and similar grasses | Varies by application |
| LESCO 50 lb. St. Augustine Grass Weed and Feed | 17-0-17 fertilizer, slow release up to 8 weeks, safe for Floratam variety | ~13,000 sq ft |
| Sunniland Weed & Feed 20-0-6 Lawn Fertilizer | Easy spread granules, suitable for all St. Augustine grass around 5,000 sq ft | 5,000 sq ft |
| Scotts Turf Builder Southern Lawn Fertilizer | Builds strong roots, protects against heat & drought, suitable for Southern lawns | 5,000 sq ft |
| SeedRanch St. Augustine Lawn 24-2-11 Fertilizer | Includes 6% Iron for greening, covers 12,000 sq ft | 12,000 sq ft |
Fertilome St. Augustine Weed & Feed 15-0-4
This pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicide is formulated to control weeds while providing fertilizer balanced with a 15-0-4 nutrient ratio. It is specifically designed for use on St. Augustine, Centipede, and Zoysia lawns. It is important to note that this product should not be used on Bermuda or northern grass types. Combining weed control with fertilizer application helps maintain a healthy winter lawn while keeping troublesome weeds under control.
LESCO St. Augustine Grass Weed and Feed 50 lb.
The LESCO fertilizer features a 17-0-17 nutrient formula with 30% poly-coated sulfur-coated urea, encouraging slow-release feeding for up to 8 weeks. This product is professional-grade, perfectly tailored for St. Augustine grass, including the Floratam variety. It requires application on a wet lawn and drying afterward to be effective, supporting up to 13,000 square feet of turf coverage. Its slow-release design aids in steady nutrient absorption during winter.
Sunniland Weed & Feed 20-0-6 Lawn Fertilizer
Sunniland’s formula features easy-to-spread granules with a nutrient ratio of 20-0-6. It is intended for application during spring and fall, making it suitable for winter care as well. The product is compatible with all types of St. Augustine grass and offers weed and feed benefits without complicated application steps. It covers roughly 5,000 square feet, perfect for medium-sized lawns requiring consistent winter nourishment.
Scotts Turf Builder Southern Lawn Fertilizer
Designed specifically for southern grasses like St. Augustine, Scotts Turf Builder promotes strong, deep roots to help the grass withstand heat and drought stress. Its unique All-in-One particles enable nutrient absorption whether applied to wet or dry lawns. Suitable for coverage of 5,000 square feet, this fertilizer is especially useful in winter to maintain turf structure and resilience through colder months.
SeedRanch St. Augustine Lawn Fertilizer 24-2-11
This fertilizer features a high nitrogen content with a formula of 24-2-11, enriched with 6% Iron for excellent greening. It covers up to 12,000 square feet, making it ideal for larger lawns. The combination of nutrients supports robust lawn growth and rich color during winter, ensuring your St. Augustine grass remains vibrant and well-nourished even through colder seasons.
Buying Guide for Choosing the Best Winter Fertilizer for St. Augustine Grass
Selecting the right fertilizer for St. Augustine grass during winter revolves around several key considerations to promote lawn health and control weeds effectively.
Nutrient Composition
Look for fertilizers with higher nitrogen ratios (the first number in the N-P-K) to support green leaf growth. Winter fertilizers often lower phosphorus (middle number) since root growth slows. Potassium (last number) helps with overall turf strength and disease resistance. Some formulas include iron or micronutrients for enhanced color.
Weed Control Integration
Many winter fertilizers come combined with pre-emergent or post-emergent herbicides, which prevent and eliminate common St. Augustine lawn weeds. This dual functionality simplifies lawn care by combining feeding with weed protection.
Grass Type Compatibility
Ensure that the product is safe and formulated specifically for St. Augustine grass and similar southern grass types. Avoid products intended only for cool-season or northern grasses, which could damage St. Augustine.
Release Type and Application Timing
Slow-release fertilizers provide steady nutrients over weeks, ideal for winter’s reduced growth rate. Follow label directions regarding application on wet or dry lawns to maximize effectiveness. Timing applications in early winter or late fall prepares St. Augustine grass for the season.
Coverage Area
Consider the lawn size and select a fertilizer that adequately covers your area to avoid under or over-application. Some products list coverage clearly, aiding in correct quantities to purchase.
Ease of Use
Granule size, spreadability, and packaging affect application ease. Some fertilizers offer simple granules that distribute evenly with common spreaders, while others may require more care.
By focusing on these factors, you can choose a winter fertilizer that maintains a healthy, green, and weed-free St. Augustine lawn throughout the colder months.