Question
I currently live just north of Detroit and recently went back down south (to visit Grandma). I didn't realize how I miss the St.Augustine grass type down there. My question:Is it impossible to grow St.Augustine in Michigan and if so, is there a compare type grass that will grow in Michigan area? thanks

Answer
St Augustine Lawns are distinguished by their thick, wide blades and 'coarse' texture.  It is a Warm Season Grass planted throughout the Southeast.   As you know, this Grass cannot handle any cold Northern weather, certainly it is not the least bit hardy in Michigan.

Tall Fescue -- 'Festuca arundinacea' to botanists --  is a similarly coarse Cool Season Grass that nearly matches St Augustine in its ability to grow in the Shade. This is a bunch-type grass that grows in clumps and slips into dormancy in the height of Summer, as do most Cool Season Grasses.  You mow it to around 3 inches and the Lawnmower MUST be sharpened REGULARLY through the Summer to keep the blades from turning dull (St Augustine Grass is tough; you need a VERY sharp Lawnmower to keep the cut smooth.

Because Tall Fescue has a VERY deep root system, it can take short droughts, but it turns brown from lack of water. Irrigation is critical at the height of Summer to keep this Grass from going dormant.  Ignore such outdated Fescues as Kentucky 31 and Alta.  Instead, pick a new, improved version with names like 'Houndog V', 'Falcon II', 'Pixie', etc.

If you love St Augustine, I think you'll love this Grass.  Many people feel the same way.  Thanks for writing.