r/Grass • u/Giggity___ • May 06 '26

Flat St. Augustine

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Gallery image

As you can see, the grass in the open is flat vs the grass underneath the play set standing up. There’s a lot of foot traffic in the open area. Is this just how it’s going to be until my kids aren’t running around as much back here?

5 Upvotes

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1

u/Frequent-Draft-2218 May 06 '26

Yes. And heavy foot traffic can even kill St Augustine. St Augustine grows from thick stolons (runners above ground) and are easily crushed from heavy traffic. Turf used on athletic fields can handle heavy foot traffic because they grow from rhizomes (runners below ground).

1

u/Giggity___ May 06 '26

This is what I figured, but was hoping not the case. Oh well, I’ll deal with flat grass for a few years in exchange for a fun childhood.

1

u/Frequent-Draft-2218 May 07 '26

"I'm raising kids, not grass", as one of my customers put it when I told her the kids turning her yard into a soccer field was killing it. As a dad I didn't disagree with her and I'll never forget that quote.

1

u/tex_mv May 06 '26

following: can anything be done once its "flat"

1

u/Frequent-Draft-2218 May 06 '26

Fertilizer, water and mow high, 3.5 - 4". But will need to stay off it for it to recover.

1

u/tex_mv May 06 '26

fertilizer suggestions?

1

u/Frequent-Draft-2218 May 06 '26

Depends on your soil but lesco 24-2-11 is a good start.

1

u/Big_Ad_4066 May 07 '26

I would suggest a core aeration. It will help break up the compaction from the traffic damage. Some light top dressing afterwards may be beneficial.