Covering the lawn with leaves may help some to protect the St.
Augustinegrass from freezing temperatures. However, if you apply too
heavy a layer of leaves, they could create a problem by reducing
available oxygen to the St. Augustinegrass.

Outlined below are some cultural practices that will prepare the St.
Augustinegrass for winter months. However, remember that if you have
extended periods of temperatures in the single digit numbers, you will
probably loose some of the St. Augustinegrass no matter what. Also,
keep in mind that our winters in the south have been very mild for the
past ten plus years. Things could change.

1. Water the lawn in the winter months. If you don't have any rainfall
or snow over a 4 to 5 week period, then apply some supplemental
irrigation to the lawn. Adequate soil moisture will help protect the
grass from freezing temperatures.

2. Don't over fertilize. I would recommend 2 to 3 lbs. of nitrogen per
1,000 sq. ft. per year. Fertilize in late spring mid-summer and then
again in mid-September. Actually, twice a year (spring and fall) would
probably be enough at the rate of 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft.
with each fertilization.

3. Mow the lawn at about 2.5 to 3.0 inches.

4. Be careful with the application of herbicides, especially in the
spring months. I would recommend not using a preemergent herbicide in
the spring months.

James McAfee
Extension Turfgrass Specialist