Diagnosing Dead Patches in Bermuda Grass: Thatch, Chinch Bugs, and Fungal Diseases

Introduction

Large dead areas in Bermuda grass (DFW metro) despite fertilizing, watering, grub treatment. Need systematic diagnosis.

Excessive Thatch: >1/2 inch blocks water/nutrients.
Chinch Bugs: Test with coffee can (bottomless) twisted 1 inch into soil at green/dead border; fill with water + 1 tbsp dish soap. Bugs float.
Brown Patch: Circular expansion, smoky ring at edge, green sprigs inside.
Take-All Patch (Summer Patch): Circular dead area, yellowing edge, green center (opposite of brown patch).
Pythium Blight: Greasy, water-soaked patches in hot, humid weather.

Walter Reeves article on Zoysia (applies to Bermuda): walterreeves.com

Perform chinch bug test.
Examine patch margins for smoky ring (brown patch) or yellowing edge (take-all).
Check thatch depth.
Treat specifically: insecticide for chinch bugs, fungicide for patch diseases, dethatch/aerate for thatch.

Accurate field diagnosis directs correct treatment. Don't guess—test and observe.

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