Live Oak + Centipede Decline: Look for Fungus

SC, zip 29501. Two live oaks in centipede lawn. Patches dying around trees since last year. More water, core aeration failed. Patches growing.

Centipede Tolerates Shade & Cold

Not the oak's fault directly.

Suspect: Fungus (Take-All, Rhizoctonia)

• Oak roots alter soil microbiome.
• Wet + shade = fungal favor.

Action

Dig border of dead patch: check roots, send sample to Extension for fungus ID. Treat specifically.

Don't guess-water/aerate. Diagnose the pathogen.