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What are these growing dead spots in my lawn? #277170

Asked September 10, 2015, 1:38 PM EDT

I live in Pleasant Grove (north Utah co.). Have usually had a pretty good lawn but this year starting in mid spring I noticed spots which have continued to grow outwardly in splotches in the lawn. I water 1/2 hour every 2 to 5 days. I can't find any signs of insects or fungus as described on various online sites. I've attached pictures of the problem. The only thing I find upon inspection are these tiny (0.3 - 0.5 cm) shells. Distribution about 1-2 per square inch. They are either on the surface of the dirt, or slightly below. The grass will come out if pulled but doesn't come right out. One spot seems to have turned into about a hundred spots over the summer. Please see attached photos. Any info would be welcome! Thanks.

Utah County Utah

Expert Response

I still think it is a fungal problem. From the pictures it is hard to tell which one. Avoid watering in late evening. The grass should have a chance to dry out before nightfall. Water stress and nitrogen shortage will aggravate most fungal turf problems. There are lawn and turf fungicides, but a healthy lawn is the best disease control.

It could be white grubs, too.

See the Turf Problem guide from Utah State. Turf Grass Diseases from University of Missouri. To look at some more good pictures, Ortho Problem Solver has a turf grass disease section.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 21, 2015, 5:24 PM EDT
In addition to the above response (thanks Frank!), I would suggest sending a sample in to the USU Plant Pest Diagnostic Lab for a positive diagnosis.  You can find the guidelines here.

Best regards.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 02, 2015, 11:19 AM EST

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