TMD oct 22

What can I do to prevent Brown Patch in my St. Augustine?

Brown patch is something we generally see during May, June and July but it can persist through the fall in our area.  It can also occur in bermuda grass but is more common in St. Augustine.  Small yellowing patches of grass begin to show in certain areas of your lawn and inside these patches, the blades of grass can be easily pulled out and the sheath will be rotted.  As the problem spreads across your lawn, green grass will begin to emerge in the old patches of dead grass.  

Brown patch is usually caused from over watering.  And most people compound the problem when they see grass dying by watering more.  That is only normal.  Too much water will drown the roots and cause them to rot.  When the roots get week, fungus and disease are able to invade the plant.  This shows up in brown patch, dollar spot or several other disease or fungus that is common to this grass.  

To prevent this problem there are a few things you can do.

Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers when conditions favor disease.  This along with overfertilizing can encourage the problem.

Make sure your soil has adequate amounts of phosphorus and potash.  This will strengthen your root system and allow the plant to build up resistance and fend off disease and fungus on its own.

 Watering= avoid watering frequently or daily for short periods of time.  This causes many problems.  Two main problems are prolonged leaf wetness and shallow roots. When you water for short periods of time the water will dry up before it gets to far into the soil.  Roots will tend to start growing up toward the surface to get to the water. Shallow roots are usually week roots.  Water every 4-7 days if needed and keep the water going longer.  This will allow water to penetrate deep into the soil and roots will grow deeper and stronger.  Water in early morning and not during the day in hot weather or late evening.  Late evening watering will tend to keep the leaves wet and invite fungus.

Sharpen mower blades=  Dull blades tend to rip grass more than cut it.  That damages the grass and invites fungus and disease.

Mow more frequently cutting 1/3 of the height of the grass.  Excess clippings left on the grass can be harmful if it is not cut regularly.  But leave clippings on the grass when it is mowed frequently.

Now if you already have Brown Patch, try using an organic fungicide like Neem, or mix baking soda with water and spray on.  Usually 1-4 teaspoons/gallon.  Chemical control can be obtained withproducts such as Daconil or Maneb Plus.

My quote of the week comes from Anon.  It reads, You ever notice that even the busiest people are never too busy to tell you just how busy they are?"