South of Tampa, FL - what’s ruining my yard? The browning areas, the mounds, and the holes ):

[Dara]

I’m a new homeowner, and I’m seriously panicking . I live just south of Tampa.

My lawn is browning really badly in a circular area and the spot right next to it is browning too. On top of that, the grass by the curb is starting to turn yellow. What can I do to fix these areas?

Also, in the second-to-last photo, there’s a bunch of dirt mounds. I hosed it down, and whatever was causing the dirt piles seems to be gone now, but I’m curious—what could have caused them?

And the holes in the last photo? I’ve noticed a lot of squirrels in the yard. Could they be responsible for the holes? But would they also cause the dirt mounds? Should I do something to keep the squirrels away from my yard?

[Jade]

Your lawn has brown patch/aka large patch fungus. It’s prime season for this soil-borne disease, and you will get it every year in the same areas. Cut off irrigation.
For more info: Large Patch in Florida Lawns – Gardening Solutions.

[Dara]

@Jade
ohhh no do you personally recommend any fungicide brands?

[Jade]

Dara said:
@Jade
ohhh no do you personally recommend any fungicide brands?

I’m a commercial operator so we use Heritage granular and PPZ liquid, but you can just look for any fungicide labeled for brown patch and follow the label.

[Dara]

@Jade
thank you!!

[Jade]

Dara said:
@Jade
thank you!!

Keep in mind what’s already brown won’t “recover” until spring. Only apply fungicide if you see that outer edge turning yellow/orange. Grass will make an almost overnight recovery around April.

[Dara]

@Jade
ohhhh sad. is it better to just… shovel the grass/roots, toss them, and get seeds or something, and grow new grass in those areas?

and does that mean if I started the fungicide tomorrow, it won’t get better until spring? ):

[Nady]

Less water to these areas, and NO nitrogen. NO herbicide. Until spring and growth has returned.

Edit: this is because of the fungus. And plant stress and damage is likely to occur. Water can encourage the spread, so larger, and more severe.

[Dara]

@Nady
ohhhhh no what about fungicide?

[Nady]

Dara said:
@Nady
ohhhhh no what about fungicide?

Heritage or Pillar granular are both labeled for it. Commercially, we used a fungicide called Fame that worked well.

I would suggest if you have cash to spend or easy access, potash is also good to add to these areas. Strengthen roots, a touch of chlorine helps dry soil. Potassium feeds root growth to help keep the plant intact for recovery.

[Dara]

@Nady
thank you!!

[Dara]

Morgan said:
Moles?

I was afraid of that. how do I know if the mole is gone? and any ideas on how to deter them?

[Drew]

Morgan said:
Moles?

Wesley Chapel here, the holes are probably armadillos. The mounds might be mole crickets. I don’t think we really get moles here.

[Dara]

Drew said:

Morgan said:
Moles?

Wesley Chapel here, the holes are probably armadillos. The mounds might be mole crickets. I don’t think we really get moles here.

I was also worried about the answer being mole crickets any ideas to help deter them?

[Drew]

@Dara
I don’t know. I’m sure there’s something out there if you Google it. I have chickens and a large yard, so I don’t have any issues with them.

[Vaughn]

Brown patch. I seen some of my neighbors who had beautiful STA yards this summer with it. Mostly Floratam. I don’t have to worry about this as I have Citrablue STA. Best solution to get ahead of it is treat your yard with Heritage SC. It’s expensive but it’s a one-hitta quitta.

[Dara]

@Vaughn
so sorry to ask, what is a STA yard? and Heritage SC?

[Vaughn]

Dara said:
@Vaughn
so sorry to ask, what is a STA yard? and Heritage SC?

STA = St. Augustine.
Heritage SC:

Heritage SC Fungicide - 4 oz.

[Dara]

Vaughn said:

Dara said:
@Vaughn
so sorry to ask, what is a STA yard? and Heritage SC?

STA = St. Augustine.
Heritage SC:

Heritage SC Fungicide - 4 oz.

omg thank you so much!!

[Vaughn]

@Dara
You’re welcome. With Heritage, you’ll see results within a month or two.