You stand at the edge of the lawn with a spreader in hand, watching the morning dew evaporate off those thick, broad blades. It is the time of year when the grass needs a serious nutritional kick to stay vibrant against the summer heat.
Selecting the Best Fertilizers for St Augustine requires a bit of strategy since this grass is notoriously picky about its diet. A little preparation goes a long way toward a lush yard. Let us look at what works for your specific soil needs.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize formulas with an iron supplement if your main goal is achieving a deep, dark green color throughout the growing season.
- Check the NPK ratio closely to ensure the nitrogen levels support leafy growth while avoiding excessive phosphorus buildup in your soil.
- Choose a granular, slow-release nitrogen formula if you want steady, predictable growth that does not require weekly application.
- Select products containing atrazine only if you need active control for weeds, as these chemical agents must be used carefully on sensitive turf.
- Match the application method to your equipment, choosing sprays for spot treatments and granules for uniform coverage across the entire lawn.
| Best All-Rounder |  |
Sunniland St. Augustine Weed and Feed | Dual action formula | Covers 5,000 square feet | Specifically for St. Augustine | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Quick Nutrient Delivery |  |
Simple Lawn Solutions Balanced Liquid Fertilizer | Rapid nutrient absorption | Easy spray application | Balanced 16-4-8 ratio | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Growth Booster |  |
St. Augustine Grass Liquid Fertilizer | Enhances green color | Encourages runner spread | Compact liquid bottle | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Heavy Duty Nourishment |  |
SeedRanch St. Augustine Turf Fertilizer | High nitrogen content | Large 50 lb bag | Professional grade results | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Slow Release Specialist |  |
Fertilome Centipede and St. Augustine Fertilizer | Slow release nitrogen | Added iron content | Safe for warm grasses | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Iron Rich Greening |  |
Scotts Green Max Lawn Food | Rapid greening results | Iron supplement included | Covers 5,000 square feet | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Reliable Maintenance Staple |  |
Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food | Consistent growth results | Works on all grasses | Easy application | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Pest Management Partner |  |
Scotts SummerGuard Fertilizer and Insecticide | Fertilizer plus insecticide | Ideal for summer months | Protects against pests | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Soil Health Optimizer |  |
Andersons PGF Complete Fertilizer | Includes humic acid | Professional quality ingredients | Small, even granules | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Targeted Weed Control |  |
Fertilome St. Augustine Weed and Feed | Pre and post-emergent | Contains weed-killing atrazine | Safe for St. Augustine | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Sunniland St. Augustine Weed and Feed
If your lawn looks like a battlefield of invading weeds, this is your primary defense. It combines fertilizer with herbicide to feed your grass while simultaneously suppressing common intruders that threaten your turf health.
You will appreciate the 5,000 square foot coverage, which makes it a sensible choice for most suburban residential lots. Just keep in mind that since it contains active weed-killing ingredients, you should avoid applying it near ornamental flower beds or vegetable gardens.
- Brand:Sunniland
- Coverage Area:5,000 sq ft
- Primary Benefit:Weed and feed
- Additional Feature:Targets broadleaf weeds
- Additional Feature:Promotes dense grass growth
- Additional Feature:Granular application
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Simple Lawn Solutions Balanced Liquid Fertilizer
Liquid applications are like a fast-acting energy drink for your soil. This 16-4-8 formula provides a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which is perfect for maintaining consistent growth throughout the warm summer months.
Because it is a concentrated spray, you can easily adjust the intensity based on how your lawn responds. However, remember that liquid feeds often require more frequent application than slow-release granular versions to maintain the same long-term results.
- Brand:Simple Lawn Solutions
- Type:Liquid fertilizer
- NPK Ratio:16-4-8
- Weight:32 ounces
- Primary Benefit:Balanced growth
- Additional Feature:Concentrated formula
- Additional Feature:Suitable for all grasses
- Additional Feature:Ideal for summer
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St. Augustine Grass Liquid Fertilizer
Targeted nutrition helps your grass develop thicker runners and a deeper, more vibrant color. This liquid formula is designed to give your lawn exactly what it needs to spread and fill in thin patches during the peak growing season.
It acts as a supplemental boost for areas that might look a bit sparse or pale. You should treat this as a specialized tool for aesthetic improvements rather than a total replacement for your primary feeding schedule.
- Brand:St Augustine Grass Fertilizer
- Type:Liquid
- Weight:8 oz
- Primary Benefit:Thicker growth
- Additional Feature:Promotes healthy turf
- Additional Feature:Improves appearance
- Additional Feature:Easy to mix
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SeedRanch St. Augustine Turf Fertilizer
When you have a massive yard to manage, you need bulk supplies that get the job done efficiently. This 50-pound bag provides a high-nitrogen blend that encourages rapid greening and robust health for expansive lawn areas.
The 24-2-11 ratio is heavily weighted toward nitrogen, which is exactly what St. Augustine grass craves for leaf production. Be careful during application to ensure even distribution, as this concentrated volume can burn grass if applied too heavily in one spot.
- Brand:SeedRanch
- NPK Ratio:24-2-11
- Weight:50 lbs
- Primary Benefit:Rapid greening
- Additional Feature:Bulk coverage
- Additional Feature:High performance blend
- Additional Feature:Professional results
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Fertilome Centipede and St. Augustine Fertilizer
Slow-release formulas are like a steady meal plan for your lawn rather than a quick sugar rush. This 15-0-15 blend ensures your grass receives nutrients over a longer period, which helps prevent those unsightly surges in growth that require constant mowing.
The added iron supplement is a clever touch for achieving a deep green hue without forcing the grass to grow too fast. It is a reliable choice for owners who prefer a steady, manageable maintenance schedule over aggressive growth cycles.
- Brand:Fertilome
- NPK Ratio:15-0-15
- Weight:16 lbs
- Primary Benefit:Steady growth
- Additional Feature:Contains iron
- Additional Feature:Warm-season grass safe
- Additional Feature:Long-lasting nutrition
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Scotts Green Max Lawn Food
If your lawn looks tired and washed out, the extra iron in this blend acts as a vibrant color catalyst. It is specifically engineered to improve the aesthetic quality of your turf while providing the basic nutrients required for overall vitality.
You will see results in just a few days, which makes this an excellent option for curb appeal projects. Just keep in mind that the iron can leave rust-colored stains on concrete surfaces, so be sure to sweep your walkways after application.
- Brand:Scotts
- Coverage Area:5,000 sq ft
- Weight:16.67 lbs
- Primary Benefit:Deep green color
- Additional Feature:Fast results
- Additional Feature:Essential lawn food
- Additional Feature:Easy spread
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Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food
Consistency is the bedrock of a healthy yard. This classic formula offers a predictable, reliable feeding that works well for almost any grass type, keeping your lawn well-fed and capable of resisting common environmental stressors.
It is a fantastic option for someone who wants a no-fuss solution for seasonal maintenance. While it lacks the specialized weed killers found in other bags, its simplicity makes it a safe, effective workhorse for routine lawn care.
- Brand:Scotts
- Coverage Area:5,000 sq ft
- Weight:12.5 lbs
- Primary Benefit:General maintenance
- Additional Feature:Trusted formula
- Additional Feature:Standard nutrient profile
- Additional Feature:Reliable performance
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Scotts SummerGuard Fertilizer and Insecticide
Summer heat often brings out unwanted pests that can wreak havoc on your lawn beneath the surface. This product acts as a two-in-one solution by feeding the grass while protecting it from common insects like grubs or sod webworms.
You get the best of both worlds: a healthy, fed lawn and a protective barrier against invaders. Just ensure you water the area thoroughly after application to help the insecticide penetrate deep into the soil where pests hide.
- Brand:Scotts
- Coverage Area:5,000 sq ft
- Weight:13.35 lbs
- Primary Benefit:Pest control
- Additional Feature:Kills common bugs
- Additional Feature:Sustains grass health
- Additional Feature:Summer protection
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Andersons PGF Complete Fertilizer
This formula is truly for the lawn enthusiast who wants to look at the microscopic level. By including humic acid, it improves your soil structure and increases the ability of your grass to absorb the nutrients provided in the bag.
It is an all-in-one professional grade product that prioritizes long-term soil health over just short-term leaf growth. You will appreciate the smaller, consistent granule size that disappears into the turf and distributes nutrients evenly across the entire surface.
- Brand:The Andersons
- NPK Ratio:16-4-8
- Coverage Area:5,000 sq ft
- Primary Benefit:Soil improvement
- Additional Feature:Humic DG technology
- Additional Feature:Micro-nutrient blend
- Additional Feature:High efficiency
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Fertilome St. Augustine Weed and Feed
Weeds are persistent, but a pre and post-emergent approach is the best way to keep them at bay. This formula not only kills existing weeds but also works to prevent new ones from germinating in your St. Augustine turf.
It is a heavy-duty granule that requires careful handling, but the results in weed reduction are worth the effort. Because it contains atrazine, it is specifically safe for the types of grass you are likely growing, provided you follow the application instructions precisely.
- Brand:Fertilome
- NPK Ratio:15-0-4
- Weight:25.6 lbs
- Primary Benefit:Weed control
- Additional Feature:Granular formula
- Additional Feature:Prevents new weeds
- Additional Feature:Targeted application
Frequently Asked Questions
How much fertilizer should I put down per thousand square feet?
A good rule of thumb is to apply one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn. Check the bag for the percentage of nitrogen and divide 100 by that number to find out how many pounds of product you need to cover that area.
Will this fertilizer harm my pets or children?
Most granular fertilizers are safe once they have been watered into the soil and the blades are dry. Keep pets and children off the lawn until the granules have dissolved and the grass is no longer damp.
Why is my St. Augustine turning yellow after I fertilized it?
If you see yellowing, you likely applied too much product or did not water it in well enough, which leads to fertilizer burn. It can also indicate an iron deficiency, which happens if your soil pH is too high and locks away necessary nutrients.
Can I use a generic lawn fertilizer instead of a St. Augustine specific one?
You should avoid generic products unless you are absolutely sure they do not contain chemicals that are toxic to St. Augustine. St. Augustine is sensitive, and using the wrong herbicide blend can cause significant damage to your lawn.
Should I mow before or after I fertilize?
It is best to mow your lawn a day or two before you apply fertilizer. This allows the nutrients to reach the soil surface more effectively rather than getting caught up in the clippings of long grass.
