Question
QUESTION: I had the lawn replaced with new sod about four months ago. now I notice thruout the lawn are these brown sticks of dead grass on the same root as the green blade.  what are these and how do I get rid of them.  please help if you can . mr. deeter


ANSWER: Dear Mr. Deeter:
I have difficulty diagnosing the problem without more information.  What type of turf?  What fertilization have you done?   Where are you located?
From your description, I assume you have a summer grass like Bermuda, St. Aug, centipede.
Are there any tan, black, or yellow spots on the leaves?  Is there a black growth low to the ground?
Let me know to proceed.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: to complete your reply there is no black growth low to the ground.  mr. deeter

Answer
Dear Mr. Deeter:
There are two possiblities:
1.  The brown leaves are simply the result of transplant shock on new sod.  The sod should recover when in full growth mode.
2.  There may be a disease attacking the lawn.  If so, the symptoms will increase and give a diagnosable sign.

That there are brown leaves on new sod should not be a major concern.  Again, I assume that you are describing a summer grass, not fescue or bluegrass because you say it has roots showing.  St.  Augustine and centipede will appear to have roots.

If the symptoms increase, have a tissue analysis done on some effected plants at your local ag extension service.  This should identify a treatable problem.

Give it a few weeks to display more grave signs.