Take-All Root Rot in St. Augustinegrass: Identification and Home Treatment

My St. Augustine lawn has performed well despite winter freeze predictions, spreading nicely in moderate shade. But a serious threat emerged in 1991 in Florida/Texas: take-all root rot, which can destroy St. Augustine lawns. Now it's hit Georgia hard.

Take-all also affects bermuda, zoysia, and centipede lawns.

Resources

• Neil Sperry article (Texas)
• Texas website with excellent disease photos
• Homeowner control methods
• UGA article with diagnostics and treatment recommendations

Take-All vs. Brown Patch

Often confused.

• Take-all symptoms (yellow patches) appear in fall/spring; dead spots in summer.
• Brown patch: grass blades separate easily from stems.
• Take-all: blades resist tugging.

Non-Fungicide Home Treatment

1. Mow lawn first.
2. Apply ½-inch layer of brown Canadian peat moss. Break into small pieces, distribute evenly.
3. Water thoroughly to settle peat to soil surface.
4. The acidic layer contacts stolons, retarding fungus and allowing grass regrowth.
5. Use one 3.8 cu ft bale per 1,000 sq ft.

See also Take All Disease Control with Manganese.