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No, carpetgrass and St. Augustine grass are two different species. However this is a very common misconception and you may even find St. Augustine grass is mislabeled as carpetgrass. Carpetgrass does not have as much shade tolerance as St. Augustine grass, and has narrower blades with an alternating pattern (while St. Augustine grass has an opposite pattern). St. Augustine grass doesn’t have the weedy, high seedheads that carpetgrass produces.

You can thicken new grass by using fertilizer, watering it 1 to 1½ inches per week, mowing when it is at an optimal height, and preventing weeds. You should fertilize your grass while you plant the grass seed, or soon afterward. Use an herbicide to prevent weeds or spot spray with herbicide to kill existing weeds.

Weeds may grow back when pulled out if the root is not completely removed. Invasive weeds can regrow from just a small portion of remaining root, so using a weed-pulling tool can help ensure you remove the entire root. Weeds may grow back faster if roots aren’t fully removed, and incomplete removal could cause them to spread as well.

There are several best practices you can do to keep your lawn looking healthy. Knowing when to water grass is among the most important. Having your sprinkler timer set to early morning is best because it gives your grass and plants enough time to absorb water before the sun and wind can evaporate it. To maximize a sprinkler’s impact, aerate your lawn once or twice per year. Doing this achieves better absorption and stronger root systems for your grass.