Usually for a short time, St. Augustine grass may look lush and perfectly healthy but then it suddenly starts turning dull and yellowish. This sudden change from green to brown often confuses people. However, this happens due to establishment stress. The first 4 to 8 weeks are extremely crucial for St. Augustine to develop a strong root system. During this brief period, St. Augustine must develop its roots; otherwise, it would have a hard time transitioning from relying on stored nutrients to absorbing water and minerals actively through its roots. In order to allow the turf to stabilize properly, you need to make sure that proper soil contact has already been established and foot traffic is kept to an absolute minimum. Failure to follow those aforementioned steps can result in St. Augustine Grass Turning Brown.
A Few Watering Mistakes that You Might be Making
One of the most common reasons for the sod turning brown is water. Not giving sod enough water creates problems, but overwatering also causes damages. Thus, you must be careful to set up a watering cycle. For example, in the first few weeks, you must water the sod lightly two to three times per day. Ensure that the sod gets adequate moisture, but try to avoid standing water at any cost.
Soil contact problems after installation
Sometimes, appearance can be deceiving. Flat-looking sod can still float and you should not be surprised if you spot small gaps between soil and sod. This small gap can easily block the movement of water. This problem is quite pervasive when the sod is laid over loose fill. Roots can dry out easily if there is no firm contact between the soil and the roots. Watering your lawn will not make any difference here. This is the reason why you need to make sure that the roots are firmly pressed snugly into the prepared soil surface. Tamping or rolling sod is an effective technique in this case as this helps eliminate those small and hidden air pockets.
Heat stress and timing errors
We all know that St. Augustine thrives in summer but excessive heat can have serious impact on its overall wellbeing. Shallow roots start struggling when the daytime temperatures push past 95°F. Soil surface temperature should not exceed 120°F as well. However, this does not mean that you should not install St. Augustine during the summer months. Nope, you just need to make sure that the newly installed sod has got enough shade and are getting enough water to deal with the heat stress and things will be just fine then. Browning usually starts at the edges, so you need to pay close attention to that. Try to install sod in late spring or early fall as it is the perfect time for the sod to establish firm roots.
Fertilizing the Sod Repeatedly
While caring for your sod is important, you must ensure that you do not overdo it. Sod does need fertilization, but timing matters. Your fresh sod does not need fertilizing immediately. It is recommended that you wait for about four to six weeks before fertilizing your sod to avoid fertilizer burns.
Exposure to Diseases
Fresh St. Augustine grass tends to be extremely vulnerable and is prone to fungal diseases such as brown patch. To prevent your sod from turning brown, you need to try your level best to avoid standing water and excessive surface moisture. You must ensure that you do not overwater, as it can worsen the disease.
Damage from Insects and Pests
Another common condition that St. Augustine grass faces is exposure to chinch bugs. These bugs feed on the plant juices and inject toxins that block the movement of water. Keep your sod free from these pests so it can grow and mature properly.
Exposure to Sun and Shade
For sod to establish properly and stay healthy, it needs the right balance of sunlight and shade. Too much direct sun can dry it out quickly, while excessive shade can slow growth and weaken the turf. When that balance is off for an extended period, the sod may begin to lose its vibrant green color, turn brown in patches, and gradually appear thin and dull.
Final Thoughts
Despite contrary belief, the reason for sod turning brow is not due to the poor quality of grass. It turns brown due to neglect and small mistakes that turn out to be huge later on. Thus, ensure that you take good care of your St. Augustine grass so that your lawn looks fresh and healthy.
