If you live in Corpus Christi, you already know that St. Augustine grass is one of the most popular choices for South Texas lawns—and for good reason. It’s heat-tolerant, grows well in coastal soils, and forms a lush, dense carpet that’s soft underfoot. 

But summer can be tough on any lawn, especially with the intense sun, occasional drought, and heavy humidity we experience in the Coastal Bend. Here’s how to care for your St. Augustine lawn so it stays healthy and green all summer long.

1. Water Deeply and Infrequently

St. Augustine is relatively drought-tolerant once established, but summer heat demands consistent moisture. The key is to water deeply—about 1 to 1.5 inches per week—including rainfall. Instead of daily light watering, aim for two or three soakings per week. This encourages deeper root growth and helps the lawn resist stress.

“Be careful not to overwater – the goal is to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.” Quality Turf

Tip: Water early in the morning (before 9 a.m.) to reduce evaporation and minimize disease risk from prolonged dampness overnight.

2. Mow High and Often

In the summer, set your mower blade higher – ideally around 3 to 4 inches. Taller grass shades the soil, retains moisture, and helps crowd out weeds. St. Augustine doesn’t respond well to being scalped, so never cut off more than one-third of the blade at a time.

Bonus Tip: Sharpen your mower blade regularly. A clean cut is less stressful for the grass and reduces the risk of fungal disease.

3. Fertilize With Care

Over-fertilizing in the summer can actually stress your lawn. If your St. Augustine grass is already green and growing, you may not need much more than a light application of a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer in early summer. 

With that said, avoid fertilizing in the peak of drought or extreme heat — wait until the lawn is actively growing and well-watered.

“St. Augustine grass lawns should receive 2 to 4 pounds of actual nitrogen per growing season, per 1000 square feet of turf.” Clemson.edu

Hot tip: leave the clippings on the grass as a self-mulching measure. Your lawn will appreciate it even if your HOA does not.

4. Watch for Pests and Disease

St. Augustine is susceptible to pests like chinch bugs and diseases like gray leaf spot — both common in hot, humid conditions. If patches of your lawn suddenly turn brown despite adequate water, it could be a fungus. Regularly inspect for tiny bugs or irregular spotting on mower blades. 

Prompt treatment with a lawn-safe insecticide or fungicide can prevent widespread damage to your St. Augustine lawn. This is also another good reason to aerate your lawn to improve the culture of your grass. Remember, the soil is an ecosystem in and of itself. Earthworms are a good thing.

5. Edge Your Lawn for Better Airflow

Keeping the edges of your St. Augustine lawn clean and defined does more than make your yard look great — it helps with airflow, drainage, and reducing pest hiding spots. Tools like The Green Link System can make this task easier, especially along chain-link fences where weed trimmers struggle.

Local Reminder

Don’t forget—Corpus Christi often has watering restrictions during the summer. At the time of this article, we’re in Stage 3 which does not allow for any irrigation of turf so refer to the map for your hand-watering day. 

Check with the city’s latest schedule to make sure you’re following the rules while still giving your lawn what it needs.

“Landscape irrigation is most efficient during early-morning or nighttime hours, when there is less potential for evaporation from the sun. This conservation measure prohibits irrigation by spray or sprinklers between the hours of 10 am and 6 pm. It is still permissible to water by hand or by drip irrigation at any time of the day.” City of Corpus Christi Water Conservation Plan (2020) 

Bottom Line: A little summer TLC goes a long way with St. Augustine grass. With smart watering, mowing, and pest vigilance, your lawn will thrive — even in the South Texas heat. And if you’re tired of weeds sneaking under your chain-link fence, the Green Link System can help you maintain those crisp, clean lines.

The Green Link System is a game-changer for chain-link fences. Want more information?