Brown Spots in St. Augustine Grass: Grubs or Brown Patch Fungus?

Quick Diagnosis

Turn over a spadeful of soil in a brown area. Many grubs? It’s grub damage. Few or none? Likely brown patch fungus—especially if grass pulls up rootless and slimy.

Organic Treatment for Brown Patch

Dissolve 1 heaping tablespoon (≈4 tsp) baking soda per gallon of water. Spray affected areas thoroughly. Repeat if needed.

When to Call a Pro

For chemical options, visit a Calloway’s Nursery (Texas-wide) and ask for their degreed nurseryman. They’ll recommend the right fungicide or insecticide.

Go-To Organic Resource

Howard Garrett (“The Dirt Doctor”) is Texas’s organic guru. His books (at Calloway’s, feed stores, or dirtdoctor.com) cover every Texas lawn and garden issue, including St. Augustine problems.

Prevention Is the Best Cure

• Water deeply, infrequently (1 hour, 1–2×/week).
• Mow high, mulch clippings.
• Feed soil microbes with sugar or dry molasses spring and fall.
• Build habitat for toads, lizards, beneficial insects—they’ll handle grubs and chinch bugs naturally.