Brown Patches

ifkqsf – posted 13 April 2005 18:33

We just purchased this house about a year ago. It was a new lawn and at the end of summer it seemed to be health and green. However, as spring approached we noticed several large brown patches that just do not seem to be filling in. I am assuming that the cold got the roots…could this be?? And if so will it fill back in or will we need to re-sod those areas?? Help!!! Also, I have noticed some of our neighbors putting sand on their brown patches…is this a solution??

ted – posted 13 April 2005 19:02

is it possibly dormant bermuda??????

Dove522 – posted 18 April 2005 10:45

I was told that this is called silver dollar spots and it is caused by a fungus in the grass. Trugreen took care of it for me.

ted – posted 18 April 2005 12:40

large spots was his symptom- fungus usually is smaller unless it’s fairy rings or brown patch.

DerekLee1 – posted 18 April 2005 14:56

If the spots keep growing, it could be a grub infection as well. I had a nasty grub infestation that decimated my entire back yard last year in less than 2 weeks. Before I knew what had hit me, I was raking a mud patch. Almost got my front yard this year, but I think I caught it early enough.

Buck – posted 19 April 2005 08:02

Don’t know where you are nor what type of turf you have but bare spots can be evidence of mole crickets. Go here for a discussion provided by a NCSU prof that is very knowledgable about these pests. http://grounds-mag.com/mag/grounds_maintenance_cricket_control/

turfie – posted 20 April 2005 10:08

It is not the right time of the year for grub damage, and it doesn’t sound like mole cricket tunneling. It is more likely fungal in nature.

Top-dressing with sand can help the grass fill back in, but if you have a fungal problem you will need to treat. You could use a broad spectrum fungicide like chlorothalonil (Daconil), topdress, fertilize, and wait for improvement. I always recommend finding out what you’ve got before treating because that way you don’t waste money if there is no fungus, or putting the wrong chemical down. Contact your local extension agent – he can help you with that.