Get matched with top lawn care pros in Nesmith, SC

To prepare your lawn for core aeration, water it the day before you aerate. (Alternatively, you can wait until it rains and aerate the following day.) Aerating after watering or a rainy day will make the process easier since you can penetrate moist soil better than dry soil. You should also flag your sprinklers so that you don’t accidentally hit them while aerating. If you have a lot of thatch buildup in your yard, you might need to dethatch your lawn before aerating as well.

If the grass is dead, you cannot bring it back to life. However, you can grow new grass in its place or try the methods mentioned above to revive the grass if it isn’t entirely dead. You can expect St. Augustine grass to come back after moderate droughts, but it will suffer significant nutrient loss after an extended period of drought.

In many cases, it’s a good idea to water St. Augustine grass daily to keep the soil moist and the grass thriving. It’s drought-tolerant, but it’s always best to keep it watered. However, it’s also important not to overwater, so skip watering during wetter conditions and aerate your lawn to promote proper soil drainage.

The best time to water your lawn is in the early morning. This timing allows the grass to dry during the day, which reduces the risk of mildew and fungus, and ensures the lawn has moisture to withstand the day's heat. Watering during the peak afternoon sun is inefficient, as the water evaporates too quickly.

Watering in the evening or at night is not recommended. Prolonged moisture on the grass overnight can promote fungal diseases. Additionally, nighttime conditions can be colder and windier, which may cause water to be blown away or prevent it from being properly absorbed by the soil.