Diagnosing Common Lawn Problems BY PLANT & SOIL LABS
St. Augustine grass, known for its beautiful, lush green look, is one of the most prominent turfgrasses in the South. Unfortunately, it is susceptible to several common diseases and pests, making it a challenging turfgrass to manage.
Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of St. Augustine grass: Advantages: • Moderate level of maintenance and mowing •A carpet-like surface that competes well against weeds and other grasses •Does well in full sun and shade •Tolerates heat and humidity •Well-suited for coastal areas due to tolerance of salty conditions
Disadvantages: •Not as hardy to cold weather, so it’s restricted to areas with mild winters •Vulnerable to drought and requires supplemental irrigation •Needs routine applications of fertilizer •Does not handle high traffic as well as some other sod types •High susceptibility to disease and pests
Brown Patch (Rhizoctonia solani) - is a
destructive fungus that affects all types of turfgrass. A summer disease, it is usually triggered by warm temperatures and high humidity. Circular patterns of dead grass blades, with new leaves sometimes emerging in the patch’s center, giving it a donut-shaped appearance. Brown patch thrives in lawns with excessive thatch (healthy soils do not have thatch).
Some situations that make Brown Patch worse include:
watering your lawn late in the day and over-fertilizing with high nitrogen fertilizers. When you irrigate, water early in the morning to allow enough time for your lawn to dry out during the day; avoid leaving your lawn wet overnight.
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