A little after-the-fact advice.I used to fight fungus issues every single year. Fungicides are $$$$, and on a 2-acre yard....pissed me off every year.

I found that having a bagger on my mower stopped my fungus issues 100%.

The common convention of "leave your clippings in place to self-mulch and return nutrients to your soil" is a big bunch of bullshite. It's just fungus food in an extremely humid environment.

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Posted by Geauxtiga

No man's land

Member since Jan 2008

34377 posts

Posted on 5/26/14 at 12:48 pm to CoastieGM

quote:
The common convention of "leave your clippings in place to self-mulch and return nutrients to your soil" is a big bunch of bullshite. It's just fungus food in an extremely humid environment.

With respect, I disagree. A lot of fungal problems stem from neglected yards in the first place. Not saying that was the case here, or in your case.

What's below is from Colorado State University- but there are many accounts like this available.

quote:
Grass clippings are a free source of nitrogen that can substantially reduce by one-third to one-half the fertilizer you'll need to buy. Clippings also prolong the effects of any fertilization by returning nitrogen in an organic, slow-release form that promotes steady grass growth

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Posted by b-rab2

N. Louisiana

Member since Dec 2005

12577 posts

Posted on 5/26/14 at 12:53 pm to Geauxtiga

I think the reason here after doing a little research is that my st Augustine was really high when I cut it last, not bagging it and left it down then it rained. The other parts of the yard that have st aug were not that high and do not have this problem

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Posted by CoastieGM

Member since Aug 2012

3185 posts

Posted on 5/26/14 at 1:06 pm to Geauxtiga

quote:
What's below is from Colorado State University- but there are many accounts like this available

Colorado isn't Richmond, TX.

I probably should have added "... is a big bunch of bullshite in my area" to my post to be more specific.

I'm sure that convention is true in many/most places, but not in my area of the Brazos valley. I learned this from the local ag extension agent, and he was right.

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Posted by jeffsdad

Member since Mar 2007

21418 posts

Posted on 5/26/14 at 1:35 pm to CoastieGM

I really cant tell by the photo, but be certain to high-cut St Aug. I have 8 settings on my mower and mow the st aug on 5. the remainder is 2. it made a big difference in mine.

except when you put on a broad-leaf weed killer that in little letters at the bottom says do not use on st aug.

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Posted by Geauxtiga

No man's land

Member since Jan 2008

34377 posts

Posted on 5/26/14 at 2:14 pm to jeffsdad

quote:
I really cant tell by the photo, but be certain to high-cut St Aug.

Took me a long time to learn that but bermuda too. People would tell me but I couldn't come to grips with "higher" grass.

Also allows it to compete with broad-leaf plants and helps shade ground- extending periods between watering.

In reference to what coastie said, it also reduces clippings.

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Posted by Nodust

Member since Aug 2010

22631 posts

Posted on 5/26/14 at 4:59 pm to b-rab2

It may have something. Looks like fairy ring in first pic.

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