Normally, a picture is shared of a portion of a yard that is contributing to a healthy environment by focusing on the Florida Friendly Landscape Principles.  However, as we move into the “rainy season," many people struggle with brown patches in their St. Augustine and other turf grass.  One of the common causes of this is Take All Root Rot, a fungal disease that can only be positively identified under a microscope. You’ll need professional help here!  

Fortunately, the Pinellas County Extension Office on Ulmerton in Largo can diagnose.  It’s a free service close to Belleair.  In the second picture, the black strands (mycelium) are confirmation of a healthy root piece being attacked.  Since the fungus lives in the dirt, putting in more plugs or squares will just cause a repeat situation.  Fungicides can control the fungus. Letting a Florida native ground cover take over these brown spots is another solution. Green is green. A lawn doesn’t have to be turf grass.  We can’t control rainfall, but only irrigating once a week in the dry season is recommended for optimal turf growth, and it’s the rule in Belleair as well.  Now that we are in the rainy season, your irrigation should be OFF.  Save water, money, and have less brown turf grass by following the recommendations.