Seville St. Augustine: The Ultimate Low-Growing Grass

The height of a lawn’s grass isn’t just about looks—it shapes the overall landscape, affects how often you’re outside mowing, and even influences how tidy your yard appears from the street. A neatly kept, low-growing lawn delivers a manicured, modern appearance without constant trimming, giving you more time to enjoy your outdoor space.

For homeowners seeking that clean, uniform finish, Seville St. Augustine grass is a standout choice. This warm-season turf is part of the St. Augustine grass family, known for its density, lush color, and ability to handle the Florida climate. Seville sets itself apart with a much finer textured grass profile, compact height, and dense growth habit—making it equally suited for residential and commercial landscapes. It performs beautifully in full sun locations yet can also handle moderate shade, offering flexibility for yards with varied light conditions.

What is Seville St. Augustine

Introduced as a refined, shade-tolerant turf grass, Seville offers a compact, uniform growth habit that sets it apart. Cultivated for southern climates, including Central Florida, it was designed to meet the demand for a finer textured grass that still holds up to the demands of foot traffic, variable weather, and changing soil conditions.

Seville’s most recognizable features include:

• A rich, blue-green color that maintains its appeal throughout the growing season.

• Leaf blades that are narrower than most other St. Augustine varieties, giving the lawn a soft, carpet-like finish.

• A dwarf growth habit, meaning it naturally stays lower to the ground with frequent mowing at shorter heights of around 2–2.5 inches.

The Low-Growing Advantage

The primary appeal of Seville is its compact height. A shorter growth habit means:

• Less mowing effort while maintaining a tidy appearance.

• Reduced thatch buildup compared to taller-growing varieties.

• A more manicured, consistent look for both residential and commercial properties without needing high maintenance.

Partial Shade Performance

Seville performs best in full sun locations , but it’s also a great choice for spaces with moderate shade from trees, fences, or nearby buildings. This versatility allows for a consistent lawn appearance even when light conditions aren’t uniform—a common challenge in suburban and urban yards.

Dense Turf Formation

Seville’s tightly packed leaf blades form a thick turf that naturally suppresses weed growth, meaning fewer herbicide applications. The softness underfoot makes it perfect for families, pets, and anyone who enjoys walking barefoot on the lawn.

Adaptability to Florida Conditions

This variety was made for Florida’s climate. It tolerates high humidity, fluctuating rainfall, and warm temperatures while performing well in a wide range of soil pH levels, including higher pH soils. Seville can adapt to different soil textures, from sandy coastal soils to heavier loams, and offers good drought tolerance once established. Additionally, it tolerates salt, making it a solid choice for coastal properties that experience occasional salt spray.

Seville St. Augustine vs. Other Varieties

Although St. Augustine grasses share common traits like dense coverage and salt tolerance, each has its distinct strengths:

• Floratam – Taller, requires full sun locations, and is less suited for shaded yards.

• Palmetto – Also handles moderate shade but grows slightly taller than Seville.

• Bitterblue – Offers a fine texture but establishes more slowly.

For those prioritizing a much finer textured grass, a compact profile, and a neat appearance with minimal mowing, Seville is often the best match. Its adaptability makes it ideal for a variety of landscapes, from residential lawns where a manicured, low-mow look is desired to shady or mixed-light areas beneath trees or near fences. It’s also well-suited for commercial properties that need a polished, professional appearance while keeping upkeep demands low.

Maintenance Tips for Seville St. Augustine

Keeping Seville St. Augustine healthy involves regular mowing, proper watering, seasonal fertilization, and timely pest control. Following these steps helps maintain its dense growth, vibrant color, and overall resilience.

Mowing Guidelines

Maintain a height of 2–2.5 inches for optimal health and appearance. Rather than mowing on a strict schedule, mow when the grass exceeds this range—this may mean more frequent cuts during peak growth and fewer during slower seasons.

Watering Practices

Although drought-tolerant once established, Seville benefits from consistent moisture. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots. Early morning watering helps prevent fungal issues.

Fertilization Schedule

Fertilize during active growth periods using a balanced blend to maintain color and density. Regular feeding also prevents nutrient deficiencies, especially in sandy soils where leaching is common.

Pest & Disease Monitoring

Stay vigilant for chinch bugs and fungal problems. Treat at the first sign of trouble with targeted products. For thinning areas, patch with Seville grass plugs in spring or early summer to maintain uniform coverage.'

Repairing Bare Patches

For thinning areas, patch with St. Augustine grass plugs to maintain uniform coverage. When grass plugging, ensure the soil is kept consistently moist during the establishment phase, and space plugs evenly to encourage faster fill-in and reduce weed competition.

Why Consistent Care Matters

Even a low-growing grass like Seville needs proper routine maintenance. Skimping on care can lead to a range of issues, such as:

• Thinning turf that allows weeds to take over.

• Increased pest and disease vulnerability.

• Bare or patchy spots that require more extensive repairs.

The reward for consistent upkeep is a vibrant, healthy lawn with lasting curb appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between St. Augustine Palmetto and Seville?

Palmetto grows slightly taller and has a coarser texture, while Seville stays lower to the ground with a fine-textured appearance.

What is the difference between Floratam and Seville?

Floratam grows taller, thrives in full sun, and is less suited for shady areas, while Seville works well in full sun and moderate shade with a finer leaf blade.

Can I just put St. Augustine over my existing grass?

It’s best to remove existing turf before installing St. Augustine sod for proper rooting. For more on mixing turf types, see our article, Can You Mix Bermuda and St. Augustine Grass?

Final Thoughts

Seville St. Augustine combines the beauty of a finer textured grass with the convenience of a compact, low-growing habit. It delivers year-round visual appeal, adapts to varied light conditions, and handles Florida’s climate with ease. For homeowners who want a lush, resilient, and tidy lawn without the hassle of constant mowing, Seville is a top contender.

Bethel Farms offers fresh, high-quality Seville St. Augustine sod, along with other premium St. Augustine grasses, including CitraBlue, Palmetto, Floratam, and Scotts ProVista, so you can match the perfect turf to your landscape’s needs. Visit our website today.