Turfgrass Diseases

Hello, I live in Northeastern Lehi, by Highland. We have a one year old lawn, and have huge spots that are dying. They are very dry, but we have checked the water distribution as you suggest on the show, and it seems fine. The grass doesn't lift up like the roots are gone. Is there anything else you can suggest? Thank You, Jamie TURFGRASS DISEASES Good cultural practices are important to control any plant disease. Improper watering practices are a major contributor to disease development. If diseases are a problem, water early in the morning to reduce the length of time the grass is wet. If the thatch in the turf is more than ½-inch thick, aerate to reduce the problem. Water deeply and infrequently and mow 2½-3 inches high. Avoid overstimulating the growth by avoiding heavy applications of soluble nitrogen fertilizer. Turfgrass diseases are not normally a problem in Utah but some are more serious if lawns are stressed or overwatered. Summer diseases to watch for in turfgrass include the following: Helminthosporium Leaf Spot occurs to some extent each year. It is the major reason for dead spots in turf. In the spring the grass blades have purplish-brown spots with straw-colored rings around them. The grass thins out and appears to need water although more water does not help. Control the disease with good cultural practices. Daconil and some other fungicides may help prevent the disease if applied to areas where the problem has occurred in previous years. Necrotic Ringspot is a cool weather disease. It is generally a problem in the spring and fall although it may be a summer problem this year because of the cool weather. Dead circles or arches that range in size from several inches to several feet in diameter develop. This symptom is often described as a frog eye which is a small circular patch of green lawn surrounded by a ring of dead or dying grass. Fungicides are generally not effective on this pest. Use good cultural practices that prevent the lawn from becoming stressed. Summer Patch is a warm weather disease that produces symptoms very similar to those on Necrotic Ringspot. Cultural controls are the same and use of preventive fungicides is generally not effective. Powdery Mildew is a common disease that develops in shady areas of many lawns each year. It causes a white powder on the leaves but the damage is usually slight. Fungicide treatments are usually not necessary. Cultural practices to discourage powdery mildew include planting shade adapted grasses, watering infrequently and deeply, and not planting turf in heavy shade. Rust develops under moist, cool conditions. The blades of the grass are covered with an orange colored fungus that come off on your hand. Several fungicides are registered for controlling rust but the best strategy is to water less and fertilize so that the damaged grass grows quickly and is mowed off. Fairy Ring is caused by several different fungi. It is common but is only important in a few situations. It shows as a circle of dark green grass with mushrooms growing in the circle. Some fairy rings develop dead rings because of poor water penetration. Keep turf adequately fertilized to promote even growth and color. Aerate deeply or use surfactants to improve water penetration into the rings. If fairy rings do not disappear, rototill the area and replant.