How Lawn-Savvy Are You?

Nov 24, 2024

3 min read

Do you know what type of grass you're looking at here? Take a moment and think: what could cause this unsightly dead patch in the middle of an otherwise healthy-looking lawn?

If you guessed Floratam, you're spot on! Floratam is a popular variety of St. Augustine grass used in Southwest Florida for its durability and lush appearance. However, even Floratam isn’t immune to issues, as evidenced by the dead patch in the photo.

The big question is: What caused this dead patch? Let’s break down some possibilities and explore solutions to bring your lawn back to its glory.

Why the Dead Patch in Floratam?

Chinch Bugs-Floratam is prone to chinch bug infestations, especially during the warmer months. These tiny pests suck the sap out of the grass, leaving behind dry, dead areas.
Fungal Disease-High humidity and excessive moisture create a perfect breeding ground for diseases like brown patch or gray leaf spot, which can cause grass to die off in patches.
Overwatering or Poor Drainage-While Floratam loves water, too much of it (or water pooling in certain areas) can drown the roots or lead to fungus problems.
Improper Mowing-Cutting Floratam too short weakens its ability to thrive and leaves it more susceptible to stress and disease.
Soil Compaction-Floratam requires well-aerated soil for its roots to spread and absorb nutrients. Compacted soil suffocates the grass and leads to thinning or dead spots.
Pet Damage-The high nitrogen content in pet urine can “burn” Floratam, creating unsightly patches in your lawn.

Solutions to Restore Your Floratam Lawn

Treat for Chinch Bugs-Inspect the area for chinch bugs by parting the grass and looking for small black insects with white wings. Apply a lawn-safe insecticide specifically designed for Floratam to eliminate the infestation.
Apply Fungicide for Diseases-If you suspect fungal disease, treat the area with a fungicide that targets common Floratam grass issues. Avoid watering at night to minimize moisture accumulation.
Correct Watering Practices-Water deeply but less frequently. Floratam typically requires ¾ to 1 inch of water per week, depending on weather conditions. Ensure your lawn has proper drainage to avoid water pooling.
Mow at the Right Height-Floratam should be mowed to a height of 3.5–4 inches. Sharpen your mower blades to ensure clean cuts, as dull blades can tear the grass and make it more vulnerable to disease.
Aerate Compacted Soil-Aerate your lawn once a year to improve airflow and nutrient absorption. Follow up with fertilization to promote healthy growth.
Flush Pet Damage-Water the affected areas immediately after your pet urinates to dilute the nitrogen. For severe damage, re-sod the area with Floratam.

Don’t Let Dead Patches Take Over – Call Southwest Florida Lawncare Inc.!

If you’re battling dead patches on your Floratam lawn, let Southwest Florida Lawncare Inc. step in to save the day. With years of experience working with Floratam grass in our unique Southwest Florida climate, we know exactly how to diagnose and fix these problems.

We’ll tailor a solution to your lawn’s specific needs, whether it’s pest control, disease management, or soil improvement. Let us restore your lawn’s lush, vibrant appearance so you can enjoy it year-round!

Contact us today to schedule your lawn care consultation. Trust us to shape your lawn to perfection—because a thriving lawn starts with the right care!