Without knowing how much fertilizer and how much water you are using on each
application, it looks like you're using waaaay too much of both if you're
fertilizing each month and watering 5x a week.

The practices you've described can lead to fungus problems and a weak root
system for the sod, which will then encourage weeds and insect problems.

For information on how to maintain a Florida lawn, go to the Florida Yards
and Neighborhoods pages on the University of Florida website, and download
the FY&N handbook, or go to your local extension service and get FY&N
information there. The FY&N info really works.

The handbook and some handouts from the Extension Service will give you
better information on how often to fertilize and how much to water. For
mowing St. Augustine grass, keep the blade at least three inches high, and
mow frequently enough so that you never cut off more than about 1/3 of the
blades of grass.

Also, recheck on the amount of soluble nitrogen in the Scotts product you've
been using. If it's high, switch to something with less soluble nitrogen
and a more slow-release capability. Lesco makes good Florida-oriented sod
fertilizers and avoids too much soluble nitrogen.

You might also ask your new neighbor how he maintains his yard . . .

Regards --

wrote in message
oups.com...
I live in Florida, the lawn is st. augustine.
Someone please help. My new residence had new sod placed since june
2005, 6 months ago.

Here's what I have done to maintain the soil:
1)Fertilized with scotts turf builder once a month.
2)Mow 4 times a month. I situate the blade position at a height
reasonable enough to mow the top of the grass, so as not to mow too
close to the soil.
3)Water at least 5x a week, early in the morning.

Yet, I have noticed that the lawn is in bad shape. Here's a list of
annoyances:
1)slender stalks of weed sprouting out.
2)bald patches.
3)thatch.

Is there anything else I can do to "cure" my lawn?
Should I call for a re-sodding?

It's annoying that the neighbor across the street has such a nice green
lawn, while mine, being 6 month old, is crappy & in total blight.