Why does your lawn seem to go from lush green to a patchy desert overnight? St. Augustine grass is famously temperamental, but it usually just needs a steady diet to thrive.
The Best St Augustine Grass Fertilizers act like a specialized meal plan for your soil. Finding the right balance ensures your grass stays thick and resilient. Keep reading to compare the top options for a healthy yard.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize formulas with slow-release nitrogen to feed your grass consistently over several weeks rather than a sudden, short-lived growth spike.
- Always check if your selected product includes pre-emergent weed control, as applying it at the wrong time of year can damage the grass itself.
- Verify the NPK ratio printed on the bag to ensure the phosphorus and potassium levels align with your specific soil test results or regional needs.
- Choose liquid fertilizers if you need fast nutrient delivery to correct a yellowing lawn quickly during the peak of the growing season.
- Measure your lawn square footage accurately before buying to ensure you purchase enough product to cover the entire area without running out mid-application.
| Top Tier Control |  |
LESCO St. Augustine Weed and Feed | Professional strength formula | Targets difficult weeds | Promotes dense growth | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Fast Acting Nutrition |  |
Liquid St. Augustine Lawn Food | Rapid nutrient absorption | Boosts root development | Easy liquid application | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Reliable Long Term Feed |  |
Sunniland St. Augustine Slow Release Fertilizer | Sustained nitrogen release | Phosphorus free formula | Excellent for 5,000 sq ft | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Iron Rich Greening |  |
Fertilome 15-0-15 Lawn Fertilizer | High iron content | Balanced nutrient profile | Prevents thin growth | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Bulk Maintenance Power |  |
SeedRanch St. Augustine Lawn Fertilizer | High nitrogen content | Large bag capacity | Promotes thick turf | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Visual Greening Expert |  |
Scotts Green Max Lawn Food | Fast visual results | Added iron supplement | Easy to apply | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Flexible Liquid Feeding |  |
Simple Lawn Solutions Balanced Fertilizer | Precise application control | Balanced nutrient supply | Works on any grass | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| The Reliable Standard |  |
Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food | Builds root strength | Simple to apply | Trusted formula | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Total Weed Defense |  |
Scotts Turf Builder Weed Feed | Kills common lawn weeds | Feeds grass simultaneously | Promotes thick turf | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Summer Pest Shield |  |
Scotts SummerGuard Insect Control | Dual nutrient and insect control | Protects against summer stress | Prevents lawn damage | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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LESCO St. Augustine Weed and Feed
If you want a professional grade solution, this is your go-to. It combines essential fertilization with Penoxsulam, which effectively targets those stubborn weeds that often plague St. Augustine lawns.
It is best for homeowners who prefer a heavy-duty approach to lawn maintenance. Just be aware that because it contains a potent herbicide, you must use it carefully to avoid harming other plants in your garden.
- Brand Name:LESCO
- Formula Type:Granular
- Total Weight:50 lbs
- Special Additives:Penoxsulam
- Additional Feature:Dual action weed and feed
- Additional Feature:Broad spectrum weed control
- Additional Feature:High nitrogen levels
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Liquid St. Augustine Lawn Food
Liquid formulas act like a quick energy drink for your grass. This option is ideal if you notice your lawn looking pale and want to see a rich green color return as soon as possible.
Because it mixes easily with water, it provides fast nutrient delivery directly to the roots. It lacks the long-term staying power of granular options, so you may need to apply it more frequently throughout the growing season.
- Brand Name:Simple Lawn Solutions
- Formula Type:Liquid
- Total Weight:1 gallon
- Special Additives:Nitrogen
- Additional Feature:Promotes new runners
- Additional Feature:Simple spray application
- Additional Feature:Concentrated formula
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Sunniland St. Augustine Slow Release Fertilizer
This granular food is designed for those who prefer a consistent feeding schedule. The slow release nitrogen ensures that your grass gets the fuel it needs over time rather than a sudden, fleeting burst of growth.
It is a great choice for Florida soils because it is phosphorus free. This keeps your runoff environmentally friendly while still giving your turf the necessary nutrients to thrive.
- Brand Name:Sunniland
- Formula Type:Granular
- Total Weight:40 lbs (2 pack)
- Coverage Area:5,000 sq ft
- Primary Nutrient:20-0-6
- Additional Feature:Consistent growth results
- Additional Feature:Easy to spread
- Additional Feature:Turf specific nutrition
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Fertilome 15-0-15 Lawn Fertilizer
When your grass needs a deep color boost, this blend is the answer. It features a balanced 15-0-15 ratio of nitrogen and potassium, supplemented with a high dose of iron to make your lawn pop.
The slow release nitrogen helps prevent the grass from growing too quickly, which can lead to excessive mowing. While it is tailored for centipede grass, it performs very well for St. Augustine owners who struggle with yellowing turf.
- Brand Name:Fertilome
- Formula Type:Granular
- Total Weight:16 lbs
- Primary Nutrient:15-0-15
- Special Additives:Iron
- Additional Feature:Enhances color quality
- Additional Feature:Sustained feeding cycle
- Additional Feature:Warm season grass safe
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SeedRanch St. Augustine Lawn Fertilizer
This large bag is perfect for those with expansive lawns that need a high-performance boost. With a 24-2-11 NPK ratio, it provides a concentrated dose of nitrogen to jumpstart your turf during the peak heat of summer.
It serves as a workhorse for maintaining thick, lush coverage across large properties. Because of its high nitrogen concentration, ensure you water it in thoroughly after application to prevent any potential leaf burn.
- Brand Name:SeedRanch
- Formula Type:Granular
- Total Weight:50 lbs
- Primary Nutrient:24-2-11
- Additional Feature:Commercial style feeding
- Additional Feature:Ideal for large yards
- Additional Feature:Rapid greening effect
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Scotts Green Max Lawn Food
Sometimes you just want the deepest green look possible. This fertilizer is uniquely formulated to provide an iron supplement that shows visible results in just a few days.
It acts like a cosmetic upgrade for your home's exterior. Remember that while it makes your grass look fantastic, it is primarily a supplemental food, so you should still maintain a regular fertilization routine alongside it.
- Brand Name:Scotts
- Formula Type:Granular
- Total Weight:16.67 lbs
- Coverage Area:5,000 sq ft
- Special Additives:Iron
- Additional Feature:Non-staining iron formula
- Additional Feature:Quick color improvement
- Additional Feature:Versatile application
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Simple Lawn Solutions Balanced Fertilizer
If you like to have total control over your lawn care, this balanced liquid feed is a smart addition to your shed. The 16-4-8 NPK ratio is a great middle-ground for general lawn health throughout the spring and summer.
You can spray this easily using a standard hose-end attachment. It is an exceptionally versatile product that works well on any grass type, though you will need to reapply it more often than granular alternatives.
- Brand Name:Simple Lawn Solutions
- Formula Type:Liquid
- Total Weight:32 ounces
- Primary Nutrient:16-4-8
- Additional Feature:Easy to use spray
- Additional Feature:Concentrated formula
- Additional Feature:Rapid uptake
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Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food
This is the classic choice for a reason because it provides dependable growth without any guesswork. It is a straightforward food that helps your grass build stronger roots for better heat and drought resistance.
The formula is designed to be safe for all grass types, which makes it a versatile staple for any gardener. It does not contain weed control, so it is best for those who only need to focus on feeding.
- Brand Name:Scotts
- Formula Type:Granular
- Total Weight:12.5 lbs
- Coverage Area:5,000 sq ft
- Additional Feature:Heat and drought resistance
- Additional Feature:Even distribution
- Additional Feature:All season use
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Scotts Turf Builder Weed Feed
When dandelions and clover threaten to take over your yard, this product acts as a two-in-one solution. It kills the weeds while simultaneously giving your grass the nutrients it needs to fill in the gaps left behind.
It is a great choice for maintaining a manicured appearance throughout the season. Just be sure to apply it when the grass is wet with dew so the weed control particles stick to the leaves where they are needed most.
- Brand Name:Scotts
- Formula Type:Granular
- Total Weight:14.29 lbs
- Coverage Area:5,000 sq ft
- Additional Feature:Dandelion and clover control
- Additional Feature:Easy spreader application
- Additional Feature:Thickens lawn density
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Scotts SummerGuard Insect Control
Summer heat brings out the pests that can wreak havoc on your lawn. This formula is clever because it protects your grass from insects while providing the essential nutrients required to withstand summer stress.
It is best for those living in regions where grubs or surface insects are a common problem. By preventing infestation, you allow your St. Augustine to remain healthy and vibrant during the hottest months of the year.
- Brand Name:Scotts
- Formula Type:Granular
- Total Weight:13.35 lbs
- Coverage Area:5,000 sq ft
- Additional Feature:Insecticide included
- Additional Feature:Summer stress protection
- Additional Feature:Consistent feeding
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I fertilize my St. Augustine grass?
You should aim to feed your lawn every six to eight weeks during the active growing season. Start your first application in late spring once the danger of frost has passed and the grass has fully greened up. Stop fertilizing at least a month before your first expected autumn frost. Continuing to push growth late in the year makes your lawn susceptible to winter damage and cold stress.
Can I apply fertilizer while the grass is wet?
It is usually better to apply granular fertilizer when the grass blades are dry to prevent the pellets from sticking to the leaves and causing chemical burns. However, you should always water the lawn lightly after application. Watering helps wash the nutrients off the blades and down into the soil. This activates the fertilizer and gets it to the root zone where the grass can actually use it.
Will fertilizer kill my St. Augustine grass?
Fertilizer will only kill your grass if you apply it at a rate that is too high or during a heat wave. Always follow the manufacturer instructions regarding how many pounds to use per 1,000 square feet. If the weather is extremely hot and dry, hold off on fertilizing until the temperature drops. Applying high-nitrogen products during a drought stress event is a recipe for disaster.
Does my lawn need a weed and feed product?
Weed and feed products are convenient, but they can be aggressive toward your lawn if you do not use them correctly. These products combine fertilizer with a pre-emergent herbicide or a broadleaf killer. Only use these if you have a specific weed problem that covers a large portion of your lawn. If you only have a few stray dandelions, it is better to spot-treat those weeds individually rather than covering your entire yard in herbicide chemicals.
How much fertilizer do I actually need?
Most bags have a coverage chart on the back that tells you exactly how many square feet the contents will treat. Measure your lawn area by multiplying the length by the width to get a total square footage. Do not guess the size of your yard, as over-applying is the most common mistake gardeners make. Buy just enough for your total area to ensure you maintain a consistent feeding schedule throughout the season.
