root rot

TARR (Take All Root Rot)

Take All Root Rot is a common fungal disease that damages the root system of your lawn. Here in Texas, it most commonly strikes St. Augustine and Bermuda grasses but can damage many types of turfgrass. It will typically be seen in spring or early summer, starting off as patches of yellowing grass. These already thinned-out areas generally turn completely brown and die. It is much more likely to attack if your grass is already stressed by drought, compaction, or pests. Symptoms are easily mistaken for other lawn diseases but proper identification is a must for control. To control this fungus, you will need to utilize a fungicide applied by your local lawn care professional, Higher Ground.

 

leaf spot

Gray Leaf Spot

Leaf spot is a very common disease that affects Texas plants. There are many kinds of leaf spot diseases, and they can appear in many colors; including yellow-green, brown-black, and orange-red. Most leaf spot diseases are caused by fungi, although some can be caused by bacteria or other deadly pathogens. Here in Texas, we often see leaf spot problems on our Crepe Myrtle trees, but almost all trees and shrubs are susceptible to some variety of leaf spots. As the spots cover the leaves, the plant is unable to absorb enough sunlight, often stunting its growth and overall health. Sometimes leaf spots may be harmless to your plant beyond the aesthetic eyesore, but removal will require a fungicide treatment.

Brown Patch Disease

Brown Patch

This turf disease is commonly mistaken for Take All Root Rot. Brown patch disease can also be referred to as large patch, and is a fungal disease that turns your blades of grass yellow, creating brown patches. While they show similar symptoms, root rot ruins your roots, while brown patch directly attacks the blades of grass themselves. Brown patch can and does show up in warm-season grasses like Zoysia, St Augustine, and Bermuda. However, it most devastatingly affects cool-season turfgrasses like Ryegrass and Tall Fescue. It can occur at any time throughout the year, varying based upon the type of turfgrass. Brown patch does best in moisture filled lawns, so dialing back feeding and watering may help. If the issue persists, you will need our team at Higher Ground to come take a look.

black sooty mold

Black Sooty Mold (Capnodium)

Black sooty mold is the common name of a fungal disease scientifically known as Capnodium. As its common name would suggest, symptoms resemble the appearance of black soot. Although it is often not life-threatening, this fungal disease can be a sign of future problems for your plant. Like leaf spot, black sooty mold can cover a great deal of surface area on your plant causing problems with nutrient uptake. This nutrient deficiency leads to a myriad of problems, most of which result in decay and stunted growth. The mold grows on surfaces covered in honeydew, which is an insect excrement that is ejected after eating and attempting to digest plant sap. Many species of insects produce this substance and some are also lawn pests themselves. This means that when black sooty mold appears, a lawn pest problem may not be far behind. If you notice black sooty mold on your plants, contact Higher Ground for assistance with this issue before it becomes more.

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