Alterna4 – posted 02 June 2003 14:18
Dear turf grass forum members:During the last two months I have planted a considerable amount of St. Augustine grass at my home in central Mississippi. After tilling the dirt, I raked out all large debris (stones, pieces of roots and construction material) and then planted the turf on the weekends over a period of approximately 8 weeks. The first 6 to 12 pallets initially planted grew fast with dark, health grass. Although I have been watering when dry and it has been a wet month, and I have fertilized the initial 12 pallets (Scotts St. Augustine fertilizer), in some the grass is apparently withering and I’ve noticed many small brown spots on individual leaves. I don’t think this is a shade problem but rather is a fungus. What fungicide would work best on a large area (20 pallets so far with another 6 to 12 to go). I trimmed the lower branches of the large trees in the yard to ensure that the grass received enough light. I suppose I might also have a nutrient problem as the soil here contains much clay. Any suggestions or comments? Thanks for any help.Alterna 4
wdrake – posted 02 June 2003 16:21
My guess—Gray Leaf Spot. Checkout this reference for discription, pictures, & treatment. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/LH047
Will-PCB – posted 02 June 2003 23:46
If it is in fact a fungus, one of the things you can do is not to overwater, water in the daytime to the grass is dry by nightfall, dont over fertilize the lawn, and keep it well mowed and picked up. Try also to limit traffic in the affected areas.
You might also consider calling your local County Extension office and see if they can help you diagnose your problem.
Remember, St. Augustine will get brown spots on the leaves from time to time. Its no big deal as long as the stolons (runners) remain healthy. Just keep it mowed correctly and dry as you can without wilting, and alot of your troubles will handle themselves.
Good luck!