stunted growth

golfdrtool – posted 19 May 2010 10:42

I have Floratam St. Augustine sod in my yard and there is a few places that just does not grow. It has been like this for a couple of years and I was hoping that it would correct it’s self (guess not). The grass in these spots is green but it does not grow up like the rest of the yard. Is it possible that this small area (2′) has bad soil or maybe needs to be airated? Thanks for any help.

tbriggs – posted 29 May 2010 09:04

i moved from n.j. and bought a new house in alabamaand they put in bermuda sod in the yard.the sod was put in march and i didnt close on my house till end of april.there were dead strips and the builder never watered the sod.so i aerated and hoping it kicks in.i did aerate the week i moved in the house.and it did help some.so i did it again and hoping it will work.if it does illlet you know.good luck.

BarneyK – posted 07 June 2010 08:03

My side yard on the north side is St. Augustine and a number of areas have suffered from a similar “stunting”. Assuming that you have checked for the usual culprits (low level chinch bug infestation, gap in sprinkler coverage, etc.) then you might try cutting out a plug with a tin can (after removing the bottom of the can) and carefully lifting out the plug for examination. Are roots penetrating below the sod level? If not, check for homebuilder debris (washed sand, concrete dust, gypsum, and subsoil turned up by the foundation work). Did you find any earthworms? (if not, there’s something wrong.) Do the grassroots look black, sparse, and stunted? (Take-All root rot). Is the soil moist or dry and crumbly? (Should be cool to the touch but not soaking wet if you haven’t watered it for several days.) If nothing is obvious, while the plug is fresh, take it to your county extension agent or a nursery that handles a lot of sod and lawn care supplies.