It suits owners with partial shade who’ll watch for summer pests. We lay it across the city, and we’ll talk soil pH before it goes down.
St. Augustine GrassCovington
St. Augustine Sod for Covington's Shaded Yards
St. Augustine sod in Covington is our usual answer for yards under live oaks. LSU AgCenter ranks it the most shade-tolerant warm-season grass, and it spreads fast into a thick, wide-bladed lawn.
St. Augustine for your Covington yard
Parish
St. Tammany ParishBest for
Shaded front yards, oak-lined lotsPallet coverage
About 450 sq ft eachEstimates
FREE on all servicesLicensed & Insured, Best Price GuaranteeFREE Estimates4 Grass Varieties14 Metro Cities
01 · Covington
Will St. Augustine grow under Covington’s live oaks?
Usually, if the oaks let some sun through. LSU AgCenter says most turfgrasses need 4 to 6 hours of full sun, and St. Augustine copes with moderate shade better than any other warm-season choice. But LSU is blunt about the limit: even St. Augustine won’t grow well in dense shade, and live oaks with spreading branches can make a yard extremely shady.
That matters here. The City points to its 200-plus-year-old live oaks with pride, and its Tree Board exists partly to care for that canopy. LSU’s older turf guide suggests thinning or raising limbs to 6 to 8 feet to let light in. In Covington, check with the City before any tree comes down, since removing a tree over 6 inches across needs a permit. Where the shade is too deep for any grass, we’ll say so on the visit.
In shade, mow higher. LSU AgCenter’s agent guidance is 3 to 3.5 inches under trees, against 2.5 to 3 inches in sun, so the blades have more leaf to catch light.
02 · Covington
Does Covington soil need lime before St. Augustine?
Often, yes. LSU’s St. Augustine sheet puts the ideal pH around 6.5, and an LSU agent writes that in many Louisiana yards lime will be needed. Federal soil data for Covington’s main soils, Myatt, Stough and Abita, shows surface pH of roughly 5.0 to 5.5.
So start with a soil test through the LSU AgCenter St. Tammany Parish office, which is in Covington, and lime only as far as the results say. Overshooting has its own risk: LSU notes take-all root rot is favored by soil pH above 6.5 and long stretches of rain, and Covington averages about 62.5 inches a year.
03 · Covington
Which St. Augustine problems show up in Covington?
For hot-weather care, see our summer lawn care tips for St. Augustine grass.
- Chinch bugs: LSU calls the southern chinch bug primarily a St. Augustine problem. It favors full sun, hot dry weather and thick thatch, runs 3 to 4 generations a year in Louisiana, and does most damage in mid to late summer. LSU’s soap flush test (1 tablespoon of lemon-scented dish soap per gallon of water) says to treat once you count 25 to 30 bugs in a square foot of turf.
- Large patch: This fungus likes nights of 60 to 75 F, which means spring and fall here, and shows a yellowish edge on St. Augustine. Water early in the morning and keep nitrogen at recommended rates.
- Take-all root rot: Wet spells and high pH favor it, and LSU warns it can look a lot like chinch bug damage. Get a diagnosis before you treat.
- Winter decline: LSU names St. Augustine and centipede as the grasses most often hit in wet, poorly drained soils. Myatt ground, Covington’s most common soil, is classed poorly drained.
04 · Covington
A St. Augustine care calendar for Covington
That cold point is real for the Northshore. LSU’s 2007 turf guide warns that some cold-sensitive St. Augustine types shouldn’t be planted this far north, so ask us which sod we’re bringing and why.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| April | First feeding once it’s growing: about 1 lb of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft, per LSU agent guidance |
| June | Second feeding; an August one is optional. LSU’s yearly cap is 3 lb, no more than 1 lb at a time. In shade, keep each feeding to 0.5 lb. |
| Mid to late summer | Run the soap flush test on sunny, dry patches |
| November to February | Dormant. Expect brown. In zone 9a the coldest night of a typical winter lands between 20 and 25 F, and St. Augustine has the lowest cold tolerance of the four grasses we lay. |
05 · Covington
St. Augustine questions from Covington homeowners
Can I seed St. Augustine to save money?
No. LSU says no commercial St. Augustine seed is available in Louisiana, which is why sod is the standard way to start it. Our St. Augustine grass service covers sod and installation.
St. Augustine or Bermuda for a half-shaded yard?
Bermuda has very poor shade tolerance, so shade usually settles it. Compare them in our Bermuda vs St. Augustine breakdown, or see where Bermuda works in Covington on the sunny side of town.
Is there a middle ground for part shade and more foot traffic?
Zoysia ranks second for shade and handles wear well. Read about zoysia on Covington lots.
Get St. Augustine under your Covington oaks
Tell us how much sun reaches the lawn and where the big trees stand. We’ll check the shade, talk through the soil test, and plan prep that stays out of protected root zones. Then you’ll have a free estimate in hand. See how we choose grass by neighborhood on our Covington service area page, or book your free estimate.
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I was on the hunt for a durable and attractive grass variety to revamp my backyard, and their team delivered with their zoysia grass. My outdoor space is now a haven for outdoor activities, and I’m so happy with the results. I highly recommend this company to anyone looking to transform their backyard into a beautiful, functional space.
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What sets TurnKey apart is not just their exceptional product but also their customer service. They guided me through the entire process, from choosing the right bermuda grass variety to installation and maintenance tips. It’s clear that they are passionate about helping their customers achieve the lawn of their dreams. If you’re seeking top-tier bermuda grass and a hassle-free experience, TurnKey Grass is the only choice.
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I recently had St. Augustine Grass installed by their team yesterday, and I’m amazed at the transformation. My lawn is now thick, healthy, and beautiful. TurnKey Grass’ service exceeded my expectations.
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I was struggling with a patchy lawn for years until I discovered their services. Not only did their Bermuda Grass transform my yard’s appearance, but it also made lawn care a breeze. I’ve received numerous compliments from neighbors and friends. Thank you! This company is the way to go.
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I can’t thank TurnKey Grass enough for their St. Augustine Grass. My front yard has never looked better. Their service was impeccable from start to finish. They provided expert advice on maintenance and care, making it a seamless experience. I will probably hire them again If I needed to.
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Choosing this company for centipede grass was undoubtedly a smart decision. They answered all my questions, provided care tips, and ensured a seamless experience from start to finish. It looks stunning all year round. Thank you, TurnKey Grass!
Kate Stamford
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