Question
We recently received some free left over sod from a project, we brought it home and laid it on the ground and watered it in. Now we were not expecting any sod so no prep work to the soil, not even roughing it up ( I know BIG no-no). in some spots there was a scruffy little bit of grass growing already and this went right over it (also big no-no). To date and it's been about two weeks the lawn has looked great and taken off like a rocket; however in the last couple of days we have noticed greying spots in the area where there was some of the scruffy grass growing. I have been watering it every day and yes the temps are going up.These seem to be getting larger and we really would like to save this lawn if we can. Is there any help for this?

Answer
Hi Kate;
Could the greying spots be a fungus?
Horticultural corn meal at the rate of 10 to 20 pounds per 1000 sq.ft will kill fungus.
Don't water every day.
You are just teasing the grass.
Water to a depth of at east 6 inches, and water again when the top inch of soil is dry.
This encourages a deep root system. Deep root systems help protect against damage from heat, cold and drought, and prevents thatch.
Watering every day and wetting only the surface and an inch or so down, makes the grass and tree roots come close to the surface to find water.
The grass roots come up to the surface, die and trap other lawn debris. this forms a waterproof pad that won't let water or anything else into the soil, so the grass dies, or you have to de-thatch the yard. BIG JOB!!!!!
As the grass roots get deeper ( a few weeks), you can stretch out the length of time between waterings.
I water once a week, until the temps get in the 100+. then I water every 5 days.
When the top 2 or 3 inches of soil are dry, down where the roots are, there is still moisture.
Your grass will tell you when it needs water badly.
St.Augustine will fold it's leaves up to expose less surface to the drying sun, so it looks like little sticks instead of the nice broad leaves. Bermuda and thin bladed grasses bend their lttle heads and look limp.
It is best not to let it get in dire need, often. That can cause too much stress on it.
Watering in the early mornings and late evenings. after sundown is best to get the most benefit from the water. More soaks in that dries out in the sun.
A soaker hose is best.
Sprinklers that spray into the air at all, can evaporate as much as 50% of the water, but every drop of it registers on your meter.
Charlotte