re: 2023 Lawn Thread - Helpful Tips, Q&A, general discussion

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So overwatering isnt the solution huh with most of the dead spots or patchiness?

I had removed our bricks that were down as a patio and threw down some grass seed. its taken off likely 80% but still not 100%. Looking for more thickness etc.

Just coming here for some insight if possible

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Again, ronk is much better at this than I am.

My understanding is that watering can be the cause of the fungal issues and you need to be watering in the morning 2-3x/week for a total of 1-1.5" of total water per week, but it isn't the solution by itself depending on what you are dealing with.

From my research from the TX A&M and UF websites, once the take all rot is in the soil, its there forever. All you can do is make it so the conditions aren't right for it to show itself or spread.

Peat moss can help "cure" it by making the soil pH inhospitable to it when spread to .5" or so depth, but opinions vary as some people think it creates a spongy "thatch" layer in the soil that impacts growth later on.

If you wanted to split the difference from the experts you could probably go equal parts peat/topsoil/sand and spread to .5" and just make sure you aren't overwatering or watering too late.

From what I've read a lot of what people are dealing right now though is due to grass that greened too early, got hit with a hard freeze and when it died off it kind of looks like rot or fungus.

Reality is that if you hit it with fungicide (preventative or as a treatment), rake up the dead thatch, practice proper watering habits and add a quality top dressing you've helped the grass whether it was frost or fungus damage.