Zoysia brown patch...what do I do?

Large Patch-Brown Patch. Do the characteristics of the browned-dead areas exhibit the symptoms mentioned in these two LSU AgCenter fact sheets? Does just the brown foliage separate but the roots remain if you pull on it or do the roots come up with it?

Large Patch - LSU AgCenter

Large Patch of Warm Season Turf Grasses


If you have dead grass caused by large patch fungus, one application of fungicide 2 weeks ago is not going to make it magically turn green. It requires multiple applications according to label directions. Did you use one of the recommended fungicides listed in the fact sheets?

You can send photos (plenty - close up, distance, etc.) and as many details as possible, including your location/parish, to Dr. Raj Singh LINK with LSU AgCenter to see if he can ID it without laboratory examination. He may put you in touch with the parish LSU AgCenter area extension agent.

If the roots can be pulled out of the ground, not likely large patch. Maybe chinch bugs or another root pruning insect - time of year and dry conditions would apply. You can do a drench test to check for insects. Described in this fact sheet. Sod web worms or fall army worms are other considerations.

Cinch Bugs - LSU AgCenter

Sod Webworms - LSU AgCenter

Fall Army Worms - LSU AgCenter

If you are in the Lake Charles area shoot an email to Robert Turley with the LSU AgCenter LINK. If it’s happening to you, it’s likely happening to others in the area and he’ll likely know about it.