Overview
Palmetto St. Augustine is the go-to solution for heavily shaded yards in Metro Atlanta. While most warm-season grasses struggle under tree canopies and north-facing exposures, Palmetto thrives with as little as 4-5 hours of filtered sunlight. For homeowners with mature trees who've given up on having grass in their shade, Palmetto offers real hope.
St. Augustine grass is recognizable by its broad, flat blades that create a distinctive tropical appearance. Palmetto is a semi-dwarf variety, meaning it has a tighter growth habit than standard St. Augustine while maintaining the excellent shade tolerance the species is known for. It's also one of the most cold-hardy St. Augustine varieties, making it viable in Atlanta where other St. Augustines would struggle during cold winters.
The grass spreads through above-ground stolons, gradually filling in to create a dense, carpet-like lawn with a rich green color. While it requires more water than some other options, the payoff is a lush lawn in areas where nothing else will grow.
Best For
- Heavily shaded yards under tree canopies
- North-facing yards with limited direct sun
- Homeowners who want grass where Bermuda and Zoysia won't grow
- Properties with irrigaiton or access to consistent watering
- Low to moderate traffic areas
Key Features
- Shade Tolerance: Excellent — the best among warm-season grasses
- Drought Tolerance: Moderate — needs more water than Bermuda or Zoysia
- Traffic Tolerance: Low to Moderate — not ideal for heavy play areas
- Growth Rate: Moderate — fills in at a reasonable pace
- Appearance: Broad, coarse blades with tropical appearance, dark green color
- Mowing Height: 2.5 to 4 inches
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best shade tolerance of any warm-season grass
- Cold-hardy for a St. Augustine variety
- Creates a lush, tropical appearance
- Good salt tolerance for properties near treated roads
- Fills in well from stolons
- Dense growth crowds out many weeds
Cons
- Requires more water than Bermuda or Zoysia
- Doesn't handle heavy traffic well
- Susceptible to chinch bugs and some diseases
- Goes dormant and browns in winter
- Can thin out if exposed to too much sun
- Coarse texture not as refined as Zoysia
Care & Maintenance
Palmetto St. Augustine requires more attention to watering than drought-tolerant varieties, but the reward is a lawn in areas where nothing else survives. Keep an eye out for chinch bugs, which can damage St. Augustine quickly if not addressed.
- Mowing Height: Keep at 3" to 4" — taller height helps shade tolerance
- Watering: Needs consistent moisture — plan for regular irrigation, especially in summer
- Fertilization: Moderate nitrogen needs — avoid over-fertilization which encourages pests
- Pest Watch: Monitor for chinch bugs, especially during hot, dry periods
Don't mow Palmetto too short — maintaining height helps it survive in shade and reduces stress. A mulching mower works well to return nutrients to the soil without excess thatch buildup.
Is This Grass Right for My Yard?
Choose Palmetto St. Augustine if: You have significant shade where other warm-season grasses won't survive, and you're willing to provide adequate water. It's the solution for heavily wooded properties.
Consider something else if: Your yard is mostly sunny (Zoysia or Bermuda would perform better and need less water), or you have heavy foot traffic (Empire Zoysia handles abuse better).
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