Recurring Dead Spots After Sod Replacement: Diagnosing Fungus, Grubs, and Soil Issues

Likely Culprits

• Fungal diseases: Spring dead spot, brown patch, Bermuda decline, take-all patch. Prevalent in chemically treated lawns; healthy turf resists.
• Grubs: Check under green grass adjacent to dead spot. Few grubs = normal; many = problem. Do NOT buy chemical grub killer.
• Alkaline soil: Fungi thrive in high pH. Lower pH long-term.

Organic Action Plan

1. Stop all synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
2. Mow Bermuda at proper height; raise 0.5 inch in September.
3. Core aerate to introduce oxygen and beneficial bacteria.
4. Plug bare areas with Bermuda grass.
5. Apply beneficial nematodes or milky spore for grubs (Gardens Alive).
6. Soil test via Cooperative Extension: target potassium, pH.

Why Chemicals Fail

Fungicides and grub killers kill beneficial microbes, worsening the underlying imbalance. Healthy soil biology is the only lasting cure.