Watered every 3rd day during dryest months of summer. Mowed with 2-bladed Honda rotary mower on highest setting every 3rd day because grass would grow 1 1/2 inches in that time. Since zoysia is so thick, my mower couldn't cut the lawn if I allowed it to get any higher than 3 days growth. Fertilized with balanced fertilizer 20lbs/5000 square feet every 7th week between May and late August. I don't know anything about St. Augustine, but if you really want a beautiful zoysia yard, you do have to spend some time caring for it and you'll love every minute of it.