New zoysia sod turning gray/black

UltraK74 – posted 02 July 2009 10:40

Good Morning all. New to the forum but hoping I can get some help. I laid about 3 pallets of sod last weekend and all in all it’s doing well; however, there are a few areas where the sod almost immediately turned a grayish color and is now a gray, brown, and even a little blackish. To some degree the color changes whether it’s wet ot not, gray/black dry and brown/black wet. Before I laid the sod I:

– Tilled the soil about 4-6″ deep- Added lime at about 2 lb/1000sf- Added 13-13-13 at about 2 lb/1000sf

We’ve been watering once to twice a day since it was put down last saturday. Any suggestions on what I should do?

I sincerely appreciate any advice.

Thanks!

Turfguy_UF – posted 02 July 2009 11:58

What type of Sod did you lay? Where are you located?

You might be seeing a fungus growing on your sod. If you are like me where I just put down 20 pallets of Palmetto St. Augustine, fungus is a very big problem b/c of the wet/humid months of June, July, and August in Florida.

Contact the sod grower and see if they have any precautions or recommendations to handle fungus in your sod. If they do read up on them, and apply the recommended amount and see if that helps.

TurfGuy

UltraK74 – posted 02 July 2009 13:18

I’m in Little Rock, AR and put down a locally trademarked variety of Zoysia call “ShadeKing”. It has a much finer blade than Meyer.

I called the grower and they asked me to bring them some so they can see it. Based on what it is I assume they may replace those squares.

Thanks for the advice!