St. Augustine Grass: Mowing Height, Gray Leaf Spot, and New Sod Establishment

Raleigh St. Augustine mowed at highest setting battles gray leaf spot. Expert: height less critical than wet foliage. Bag clippings to reduce spread. Treat with Bayleton or propiconazole. Water mornings only.

Thickening New Sod

• Mow lower and more often to encourage lateral spread (tillering).
• Fertilize lightly 2x/month at ¼ label rate.
• Ensure subsoil pH is 6.5.
• Water deeply, infrequently.

Follow-Up: Mowing Low Won't Burn If Watered Right

Deep, infrequent watering prevents heat stress. Never remove >1/3 blade per mow. If sod was poor quality or soil prep inadequate, it may never thicken. Sprigged lawns need low, frequent mowing from start.