Question
My grass looks like if it has been squashed.  You get up to it closely and it looks dry and flattened.  I hardly ever have to mow it because it grows so inconsistently. I water at least 3 times a week and fertilize at least once a year but to no avail.  Please help

Answer
i'm in southern NJ. NJ is zone 6-8. you didn't say where you are.
it will depend on where you live(probably zone 10-11). st. augustine is a warm weather grass. my guess is you have centipede grass not st augustine. it stays low and close to the ground. st augustine is a grass that looks like crabgrass and is 3-4" thick. you need to visit a local garden center to see what they recommend for your area and type of lawn. take a sample of the grass in a clear plastic bag for them to examine.  it's not as simple as water 3 times per week. during the summer months you may need once a day watering. my guess is you are watering too frequently for this time of the year. again check w/a local source.
good luck
rick
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