floratam

davsleep – posted 22 June 2003 11:56

In the last two weeks(since the rains) my floratam is turning pale green with little brown spots on the blades. It is also thinning in these areas. I treated with an anti fungal and dursban but it seems to be getting worse.

certified-in-florida – posted 24 June 2003 20:49

Read the label for directions on timing of re-application. Make sure that you are not putting water on it yourself. Also, make sure the blade of your mower is sharp and cut it high.

One other thing to keep in mind. . .it may get worse before it shows improvement. Just watch that it doesn’t get too much worse.

seed – posted 25 June 2003 13:23

From the information, I cannot determine what is affecting the Floratam St. Augustinegrass, nor can I predict what will happen, or what to do about it. If the cause of the symptoms is a fungal disease, then the advice about not overirrigating is reasonable advice, because many fungal leaf diseases need constantly wet leaves in order to germinate. There could be other things going on, however, the symptoms could be evidence of an herbicide treatment, or other causes.

One of the problems in treating a whole lawn with multiple products, to heal a condition with an unknown cause, is that if the lawn does turn for the better, nothing is learned about what caused the condition. And, as frequently occurs, the lawn does not recover, money and time had been lost, and the products themselves may have caused additional harm or complicated the symptoms.

So, when using products to correct a condition with an unknown cause, it is best to try out small strips in separate marked areas. If multiple products are used in the same area, then make sure that there are companion areas in which individual products are used by themselves.

Phil

[This message has been edited by seed (edited 27 June 2003).]