Question
fungus?
I am in Raleigh NC and had extensive landscaping done in the back yard requiring 350 cubic yards of clay dirt. After a small layer of top soil was added the entire area was sodded with Tall fescue. Watering was generous as instructed with a notable "slush" feel when testing the sod. In a period of a month areas of brown patch appeared and rapidly spread through the entire lawn (affected only the laid sod first) and then encroaching on established grass not involved in the landscaping. The result was complete death of the laid sod and established grass. This is despite an application of fungicide at an early stage of disease and strictly keeping the dogs off the sod. The weather during this time was high humidity, 90-100degree temperature during the day and and 70-75 degree temperature at night. Lots of drenching rain during this period. The landscaper suggested that I watered too much but I am wondering if the sod placed was more susceptible or was "infected" prior to placement in the yard. The rapidity of spread was startling. What is the most likely disease process ? fungus ? sod worm ? other. Can the dirt brought to our lot have been infested with something? How can I prevent this from occuring again after sod is laid down? (now it is september and cooler).
Answer If the sod was obtained from a reputable source and laid by a reputable company, then it is comparatively easy to ascertain whether the sod was defective. Either or both companies would have a keen interest in satisfying customer issues. If the sod was free from problems, who diagnosed the brown patch disease and sprayed a fungicide? They have to explain why the remedy failed. Chemicals do not "fail". Incorrect diagnosis and incorrect application (type, rate, coverage, timing, prevailing weather etc.) are reasons why chemicals do not produce the expected results. Only when you have eliminated these causes, can you turn attention to the imported soil. Again, the reputation of the supplier will be her/his motivation to convince you that the product was free from defect. Soil analyses and remediation can be quite expensive.
It is very important to your peace of mind and pocket book (the two are closely related) that the problem(s) are solved in a systematic way. This will help you to move forward with your landscape plans with confidence.
