Picture it – spring is in the air, birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and your lush green lawn … has weird patches all over the place. Sound familiar?
Your lawn might have Take-all root rot (TARR). This disease, also called Bermudagrass decline, loves Central Florida’s hot, rainy weather and can kill your grass before you even realize something’s wrong. So, let’s talk about what exactly causes TARR and how to prevent it, so you can go back to enjoying your beautiful, healthy lawn.
What is TARR?
TARR is caused by a fungus called Gaeumannomyces graminis var. graminis that attacks the roots of warm-season grasses like St. Augustinegrass and Bermudagrass (which are popular on Florida’s Space Coast). This fungus is always in the soil, but it becomes a big problem when heavy rain and stress weaken your lawn. It’s most active in the summer and early fall when Florida gets a lot of rain.
Top 4 Symptoms to Watch For
Since this is a root rot disease, the damage begins underground, making early detection tricky. However, as the disease progresses, you may start seeing aboveground symptoms, such as:
- Irregular yellow or light green patches that can range from a few inches to several feet in diameter.
- Thinning grass or bare spots appearing that develop over time.
- Roots turning thin, dark, and rotting, with stolons and rhizomes showing black lesions.
- In severe cases, entire sections of turf that dies off, leaving large dead patches.
By the time leaf symptoms appear, the fungus has already been damaging the roots for weeks. The earlier you catch it, the better your chances of saving your lawn.
Top 3 Tips to Prevent and Manage TARR
Because this disease is difficult to control once visible symptoms appear, the best approach is prevention and stress reduction. Here are some key practices to protect your lawn:
- Proper Mowing:
- Mow at the correct height for your grass type. Cutting too short can stress the turf and make it more susceptible to disease.
- Avoid removing more than one-third of the leaf blade at a time to prevent scalping.
- Water Correctly:
- Encourage strong root growth by improving water drainage in your lawn. Areas that stay wet are more likely to develop the disease.
- Avoid overwatering – it’s better to water deeply but less often rather than giving your grass frequent, shallow watering.
- Weed and Herbicide Considerations:
- St. Augustinegrass is especially sensitive to herbicides, so limit use and always follow label instructions.
- Utilize proper lawn care techniques to minimize weed growth naturally and reduce reliance on herbicides.
TARR can be a serious threat to Brevard County lawns, but with the right care and preventive measures, you can keep your turf healthy and resilient. If you suspect your lawn is affected or want to take proactive steps, the experts at Slug-A-Bug are here to help.
We offer environmentally responsible solutions, and are honored to be recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency as a Steward of the Environment – one of the select few companies nationwide with Silver Member status.
Contact us today for professional lawn care solutions and keep your grass thriving year-round!