anonymous_joe wrote:
Hi,
I have some questions about the new St. Augustine sod I just installed. Attached are pictures of some brown/dying spots that I’m not sure what to do. These spots make up about 10% of the yard.
Here is some background:
• Tilled the soil about 3†deep, mixed in some landscapers mix and compost.
• I installed the sod on Sep 11th and then it rained for about nine days straight. I continued to water several times a day (but not at night) ensuring the sod stays moist.
• On day 14, I confirmed that the sod has started to root.
• On day 16, the grass was about 3.5†so I decided to mow.
• On day 16, after I mowed, I spread a high nitrogen and iron based fertilizer.
• I’m continuing to water 1-2 daily (but not at night) ensuring that the lawn is moist.
Any recommendations on what to do about the brown/dying spots.
I think you heated it up too much. I would never use high nitrogen on new plants. Come to think of it, I never use that on anything.
Your compost had nitrogen, the rainwater has it dissolved in it, the landscape mix would have a small amount....slow down a bit on trying to get the instant green.
St Augustine would grow on asphalt shingles just about with this much rain going on.
One question: I saw your pics, and it didn't look like a yellow fungus taking over, it could have been brown patch possibly. A lot of that has been creeping up, and we have been using "Actinovate" for the first time this year on our customer's properties. The fungus calls started coming in about 2-3 weeks ago. Note: Not one customer that was on the full organic program called with this problem in their St. Augustine.
I would mix up a half gallon and spray it on there once a week for three weeks.
_________________
Mitchell J McGowan
Landscape Contractor
Owner,
Dotdirt Organic Landscapes,
www.dotdirt.comGarland, TX