Brown Spot Problems

Richard – posted 07 November 2004 14:26

We just moved to the Houston Area several months ago. What started out as a few minor brown patches has spread to entire swathes of the yard (St.Augustine). I didn’t know what it was…and it just got out of control.

When my neighbor mentioned that the previous owner had always had problems with Brown Spot, I immediately put down a fungicide. There are a few blades of green in the middle of the patches…not much, but a few. I’ve applied the fungicide twice over a month and the spread does seem to have stopped.

But what now? Part of me wants to rip out the dead area and replant with sod squares. But its early November…is it too late? Should I wait until spring, then re-sod?

I’ve also been thinking about overseeding the entire front yard with perennial rye…at least we’d have nice yard for some time of the year. But, I’ve heard that this isn’t necessarily good for the yard also.

If this yard has, historically, had Brown Spot problems..is there any way to avoid/pretreat/treat???

Thanks,

Richard

turfie – posted 11 November 2004 08:39

Richard,

St. Augustine is susceptible to “brown patch”, a disease that is more severe during fall, mild winters, and spring. However, it may be chinch bugs that is the problem if you have patches of grass that are forming and enlarging during the hot, dry months of summer. This seems more likely than a fungal infection, especially given the climate in Texas (hot, dry) during the past few months.

You can detect chinch bugs a couple different ways. One way is to look for them at the base of the turf plants and the thatch by separating the leaf blades. They are small and can move pretty quickly. Another method is to cut out the bottom of a coffee can and work one end into the soil. You will have to cut the same size circle into the turf so the can will go into the soil. Then Pour some soapy water (about a tablespoon per gallon – lemon joy works well) into the can, adding more as it sinks in. After a few minutes if there are chinch bugs they should float to the surface. Try this on the outer edge of the dying turf near healthy grass because this is where they are likely feeding. If this is the problem, Talstar is effective, but you may need several applications during a season because there are several generations of chinch bugs per year.

If you still suspect a fungal problem, you can send a sample for diagnosis. Your local county extension agent will be able to guide you with that.

Stephanie

ted – posted 14 November 2004 14:41

you can go ahead and seed with rye- next year, particularly in the late summer- cut back on the nitrogen and watering particularly going into the tropical rain season of late aug./sept. you can use (or a licensed applicator can use) prostar as a preventative for brown patch. your issue was that you tried to use a fungicide after the fact- it’s like getting a flu shot after you have the flu! go ahead and reseed it but you don’t want to resod until spring (april) been doing it in houston for 20 years….