Knowledgebase

San Augustine Grass Analysis #844903

Asked August 09, 2023, 12:39 PM EDT

We have treated repeatedly for fungus and insects, but our San Augustine grass continues to go from yellow to brown and die in large meandering areas. Is there some place we can send a grass and soil sample for analysis of the problem? Thank you.

Brazoria County Texas

Expert Response

Ms. Simpson,
I have re-assigned your inquiry to Mr. Potter. Mr. Potter is a horticulture agent with turfgrass expertise. He will be able to help you with your lawn issues.
John P. O'Connell, M.S. Replied August 09, 2023, 2:54 PM EDT

Lawns have been suffering quite a bit due to the lack of rainfall and appropriate watering.  The stress of the heat and lack of water open the door for insects and other problems.  Photos tell me a lot, so lets start with some background.  How often do you water?  About how many inches of water are you applying?  

What fertilizer is used and when was it applied?

What fungicide was used?

What insecticide was used and for what insects?



Thanks in advance and I look forward to working through this with you.. MP

Hi Michael! Thank you for your quick reply.

We use Nitrophos SuperTurf Fertilizer 19-4-10. Last applied late May 2023.
We used Nitrophos brand Fungicide for Gray Leaf Spot that we noticed in late June.
This last Spring we noticed a Chinch Bug infestation which we treated in May 2023 with a granular Bifen LP from Solutions Pest & Lawn in . Applied second Bifen LP treatment Aug 1,2023. Watered in with Ortho Bug Clear the same day.
When watering with an oscillating sprinkler, we water for 1 hr (recommended according to internet research that says that's about 1 inch of water) twice a week. Sometimes when it is very windy, we water with a soaker hose. Each area is watered for 2 hours, also the recommended time to amount to 1 inch of water from a soaker hose.

Thank you in advance for any advice you can provide. We've done all we know to do, and yet our lawn is still turning brown and dying.

Pattijean Simpson
Manvel, TX



On Wed, Aug 9, 2023 at 1:58 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied August 09, 2023, 8:51 PM EDT

All the symptoms from the photos are leading to lack of water. The closest weather station to you is around George Ranch..Evaporation is a big part of the issues we are seeing in turfgrass right now.  ETo ( evaporation) https://texaset.tamu.edu/

The amount of water evaporated Aug. 3rd - August 9th was 1.96 inches.

So in order to apply the 1", you would have had to apply close to 3 inches according to the math.  Of course the amount applied can be adjusted for soil type, root depth and mowing height.  

The amount of time of the application of water is hit or miss.  We recommend performing an irrigation audit to determine the actual amount being applied.  See my attached pdf.

Lawns should be mowed at 4 inches during the heat of the summer.  #1 shades the soil #2 increases root depth.

Let me know if you have additional questions.  MP

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