Carpet grass and St. Augustine are the most popular grass varieties grown in the southern states of the United States. You are probably already familiar with both of them. 

The majority of people are unable to distinguish between these two because they both originate from the south and are very similar. 

Knowing which grass you are cultivating is crucial since carpetgrass and St. Augustine truly has quite different growing behaviors and upkeep needs. 

More so, if you’re attempting to decide which type of grass to plant in your yard. Find out how these two differ in the following paragraphs to determine which is best for your space.

Carpet Grass Vs St Augustine (Similarities)

These two forms of grass share several characteristics despite being somewhat distinct from one another. 

First of all, they are both indigenous to the Southeast of the United States and thrive in Gulf state lawns. Both Carpet and St. Augustine are native plants with strong salt resistance, making them perfect for coastal states. 

The two types of grass, except for the arid parts of New Mexico and Arizona, can also be grown further west and have naturalized throughout the southern United States. 

Both Carpet and St. Augustine can’t be cultivated north of the coastal states since they aren’t cold resistant, which means they don’t have much of a cold tolerance. 

Last but not least, starting them up takes equal effort from both. Over time, you’ll notice that St. Augustine needs more care, although just after planting, their needs are comparable.

About Carpet Grass 

Although it’s common for other grasses to be called carpet grass or for this variety to be called “Centipede Grass,” keep an eye out for the botanical name to make sure which variety you have. Carpet grass is technically Axonopus fissifolius, or “Common Carpet grass.” 

Although it’s not a particularly typical option for lawns, carpetgrass can be frequently seen in landscaping or wild areas because it’s a native of the South. This is the reason why the lawn doesn’t have a consistent appearance; it grows very sporadically. 

Broadleaf carpetgrass (Axonopus compressus) and narrow-leaf carpetgrass (A. affinis) are the two main varieties of carpetgrass. It is virtually usually narrow-leaf carpet grass that is planted for lawns.

Yet, carpetgrass is a fantastic choice for turf grass or for filling in dead areas because it can thrive in virtually any environment and grows from seeds extremely quickly. 

About St. Augustine Grass 

Although it is often known as carpet grass, St. Augustine is actually Stenotaphrum secundatum—now you know why people get confused!

St. Augustine is a native of the southern coastal states as well, and because of how quickly it spreads in some places, it is even occasionally referred to as an invasive species. When temperatures drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, this grass will go dormant. As opposed to simply dying because it is a little more tolerant of cold than carpet grass is.

It’s quite difficult to acquire St. Augustine seeds because they don’t grow well from them, but sod, which is the most typical approach to planting St. Augustine, will allow this grass to thrive. Moreover, it is pickier than carpetgrass in terms of the soil and environment in which it flourishes. To find out more about how these grasses differ from one another, keep reading. 

When compared to one another, St. Augustine grass and carpet grass have extremely different appearances, especially when they are fully healthy. 

The color of St. Augustine is described as a bluish-green, but it has more of a blue tint. The lush lawn that St. Augustine grass produces is due to its thick blades. 

When carpetgrass is in good health, it has a dark green color, but most of the time it is more of a pale or even yellow-green hue. 

Because carpet grass grows unevenly, certain sections appear more sparse, giving it a patchy appearance.

Carpet Grass Vs St Augustine (Growth Patterns) 

Depending on where and why you want to grow these grasses, carpet grass and St. Augustine grass, each have very different growing habits. 

More particular about its growing conditions is St. Augustine grass. For instance, in soil with a pH above 7, it won’t develop as quickly and doesn’t take shadow as well. In extremely hot locations, St. Augustine can grow in partial shade, but since it is a warm-season grass, it truly doesn’t require shade. 

St. Augustine can withstand droughts to some extent, but it won’t thrive in prolonged dry conditions. Even in hot and dry months, this grass will maintain its vibrant green color. It thrives with regular watering.

Although it doesn’t grow as quickly, carpet grass is incredibly hardy and may flourish in almost any environment in the South. Where other grasses won’t grow, such as in extremely shaded locations, carpet grass is known to flourish. 

It is very well adapted to moist soils and is known to flourish in swampy or flooded places. As carpetgrass’ root system is so resilient, it is excellent at halting soil erosion. 

In general, carpet grass grows more quickly than St. Augustine grass, but carpet grass can withstand a wider range of environmental circumstances. Both of these species are native, but carpet grass is much more adaptable. 

Carpet Grass Vs St Augustine (Requirements for Upkeep)

Simply speaking, St. Augustine demands a lot more effort to maintain. This is because of St. Augustine’s rapid growth, which causes it to consume a lot of resources and necessitates regular trimming to prevent unmanageable growth. 

St. Augustine grass also requires a lot of resources because it requires frequent watering and fertilizer. Moreover, this grass has the propensity to absorb more water than it requires, which could be detrimental to the other plants around. 

St. Augustine, however, grows so swiftly that cutting it will not hinder its ability to regrow. Moreover, this grass has a longer lifespan than carpet grass, lasting a few more years.

Carpet grass doesn’t require fertilization because it can grow successfully in low-nitrogen soil. Because of its tenacity, carpet grass frequently withstands diseases, floods, and droughts without any issues. Even yet, carpet grass only requires trimming once a month, which is significantly less frequent than in St. Augustine. 

Overall Evaluation 

The best grass for you will depend on the circumstances because each of these grasses has advantages and disadvantages. 

St. Augustine can quickly establish itself in your yard. But it also needs enough upkeep to keep up with its expansion. While it is simple to choose and can be quickly produced from seeds planted in practically any place, carpet grass.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is Carpet Grass the Same as St. Augustine Grass? 

St. Augustine, sometimes known as carpetgrass, produces a uniform, smooth turf that can withstand very high temperatures and little rainfall. 

When exposed to cool weather, it retains its color longer than other warm-season grasses. And it will only needs to be mowed occasionally. 

What Type of Grass is Superior to St. Augustine? 

Bermuda grass is a low-growing plant that is more drought resistant than St. Augustine and can need less regular mowing. Since it may be invasive, landscape features must be edged.

What Type of Grass is a Substitute for St. Augustine? 

We advise you to take into account Zenith Zoysia as a substitute for St. Augustine grass. Dark green, luscious Zenith Zoysia with broad blades and a medium texture. 

It is a wonderful option all year round and can even be installed when dormant.

Conclusion 

Both carpet grass and St. Augustine grass have unique characteristics that make them suitable for different environments and needs.

Carpet grass is a low-maintenance grass that thrives in shady areas, has a coarse texture, and requires little watering. St. Augustine, on the other hand, is a lush, dense grass with a fine texture that has good heat tolerance.

When it comes to choosing between carpet grass and St. Augustine grass, it’s important to consider various factors. Such as climate, soil type, maintenance requirements, and usage. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It’s also a good idea to consult with a local lawn care expert to determine the best option for your particular situation.

We sincerely hope this article has given you a better understanding of Carpet grass vs. St. Augustine grass and how to distinguish the two.