With its coarse, textured blades and vibrant emerald appearance, St. Augustine grass is one of the most popular choices for landscaping home lawns, sports fields, and commercial properties. If you’re having difficulty choosing the right sod for a client, here’s why you should pick this lush variety.

The Benefits of St. Augustine Grass

1. Tolerant to Tropical Conditions

This grass is one of the most popular choices for warm coastal areas because it can withstand a substantial amount of environmental stress. While St. Augustine lawns require plenty of moisture to thrive, it’s also resilient to high heat and sandy soil. Additionally, its tolerance to salt allows it to thrive in soil with a pH range between 5.0 and 8.5, making it ideal for landscapes near the ocean.

2. Adapts to Shade

St. Augustine is an ideal choice if you’re working on a property with a lot of trees because it has a moderate shade tolerance. The landscape will thrive as long as it has moist soil with good drainage and gets some sun peeking through the branches.

3. Grows Tightly

The species’ stolons and leaf sheaths are compressed near the soil and rounded at the top. These qualities give it a dense, rug-like appearance that can endure foot traffic. The compacted growth also outcompetes weeds, decreasing their presence over time.

4. Easy to Maintain

This grass species also performs well with minor care. While your client’s lawn has to be watered every day until their roots are properly anchored, it only needs an inch of water once a week afterward. To prevent thatching, St. Augustine grass should also be mowed every week to maintain a blade height of two to four inches.

If you want to use St. Augustine grass in your next project, turn to Alii Turf in Wahiawa, HI. This locally owned farm provides landscapers with a variety of high-quality grass and sod products for residential and commercial projects across Oahu. Get more information about their services online, or call (808) 293-8873 to request a quote.