when is a good time to replace grass? - Ask Extension
Our front yard has struggled with weeds for years and after last summer it is time to try with some new St. Augustine. When is a good time to put new...
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when is a good time to replace grass? #818887
Asked January 20, 2023, 11:41 AM EST
Our front yard has struggled with weeds for years and after last summer it is time to try with some new St. Augustine. When is a good time to put new grass down? I want to avoid another freeze but don't want to wait too long either. Thank you
Travis County Texas
Expert Response
Hi Kate,
St. Augustine is a warm weather grass. If you are planting plugs or sod, you should plant in late Spring or early Summer. Plugs take a while to get established, so should be planted before it gets extremely hot. Sod can establish in as little as 30 days and can be planted later when it is hotter, since this grass loves hot weather. However, the grass must get adequate water and best to avoid temperatures over 100 degrees F.
St. Augustine is extremely difficult to grow from seed, so I assume you are going to go with plugs or sod.
Finally, you can also plant in early fall, as long as it is at least 90 days before any chance of a freeze.
So, to summarize, plant when:
St. Augustine is a warm weather grass. If you are planting plugs or sod, you should plant in late Spring or early Summer. Plugs take a while to get established, so should be planted before it gets extremely hot. Sod can establish in as little as 30 days and can be planted later when it is hotter, since this grass loves hot weather. However, the grass must get adequate water and best to avoid temperatures over 100 degrees F.
St. Augustine is extremely difficult to grow from seed, so I assume you are going to go with plugs or sod.
Finally, you can also plant in early fall, as long as it is at least 90 days before any chance of a freeze.
So, to summarize, plant when:
- Daily high temperatures are between 80- and 100- degrees F.
- There is a decent amount of rainfall, at least relative to other seasons. (Generally May in Austin).
- There is at least 90 days before the first fall frost.
