What Does It Mean When St. Augustine Grass Turns Yellow?

  • By: admin
  • Date: January 14, 2023
  • Time to read: 8 min.
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St. Augustine grass is a popular choice for lawns in warm climates. It is known for its thick, green blades and tolerance for heat and humidity. However, when St. Augustine grass turns yellow, it can be a cause for concern for homeowners. Yellowing in St. Augustine grass can be caused by a variety of factors, including nutrient deficiencies, disease or pests, and environmental conditions. In this outline, we will explore the causes of yellowing in St. Augustine grass, how to identify the cause, and potential solutions for restoring the health and color of the lawn.

Background on St. Augustine grass

St. Augustine grass, also known as Stenotaphrum secundatum, is a warm-season grass that is native to the Gulf Coast of the United States and the Caribbean. It is a popular choice for lawns in the southern and coastal regions of the United States and in other warm climates around the world. St. Augustine grass is known for its thick, dense growth, making it a popular choice for high-traffic areas and for areas with heavy shade. It is also relatively salt-tolerant, making it a good choice for lawns near the coast.

St. Augustine grass grows well in well-drained soils and requires moderate water. It is also known to be sensitive to cold temperatures and can be damaged or killed by frost or freezing temperatures. Overall, St. Augustine grass is a hardy and durable grass that can provide a lush, green lawn when maintained properly but can turn yellow when it’s facing specific issues

Explanation of yellowing in St. Augustine grass

Yellowing in St. Augustine grass is a condition in which the blades of grass turn from their normal green color to a yellow or pale green color.

This can occur in patches or over the entire lawn and can range from mild to severe. Yellowing can be caused by a variety of factors, including nutrient deficiencies, disease or pests, and environmental conditions.

Nutrient deficiencies, such as a lack of nitrogen or iron, can cause the yellowing of the blades of grass. Diseases or pests, such as chinch bugs or gray leaf spots, can also cause yellowing. Environmental conditions, such as drought stress or excessive shade, can also lead to yellowing. In severe cases, yellowing can progress to browning and death of the affected grass.

It is important to correctly identify the cause of yellowing in St. Augustine grass, as the solution will vary depending on the cause. For example, if the yellowing is caused by a nutrient deficiency, fertilization may be necessary, while if it’s caused by disease or pests, pesticides may be needed. Therefore, proper identification and treatment are key to restoring the health and color of the lawn.

Causes of yellowing in St. Augustine grass

Grass A row of St. Augustine grass taken from ground-level with a black background St. Augustine Grass  stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

St. Augustine grass is known for its thick, green blades, making it a popular choice for lawns in warm climates. However, when St. Augustine grass turns yellow, it can be a cause for concern for homeowners. Yellowing in St. Augustine grass can be caused by a variety of factors, including nutrient deficiencies, disease or pests, and environmental conditions. In this section, we will delve deeper into the causes of yellowing in St. Augustine grass and the symptoms associated with each cause so that homeowners can better identify the root cause of the yellowing and take appropriate action.

Nutrient deficiencies

Nutrient deficiencies, such as a lack of nitrogen or iron, can cause the yellowing of the blades of grass. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for the healthy growth and development of St. Augustine grass, and when it is deficient in the soil, the blades may become pale green or yellowish-green. Iron deficiency can also result in yellowing, but it typically affects only certain parts of the lawn or certain areas within each blade.

Nitrogen deficiency

Nitrogen deficiency is a common cause of yellowing in St. Augustine grass. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth and is responsible for the green color of the blades of grass. When there is a lack of nitrogen, the blades of grass will begin to turn yellow or pale green.

Symptoms of nitrogen deficiency in St. Augustine grass include:

-Yellowing of the blades, starting at the tips and progressing inward

-Thinning of the lawn

-Reduced growth and vigor

-Leaves turning brown around the edges

Nitrogen deficiency can be caused by a number of factors, including overuse of the lawn, poor soil conditions, or a lack of fertilizer.

It is essential to fertilize the lawn with a balanced fertilizer regularly and ensure the soil is well-drained and has a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. Over-fertilization may also cause nitrogen excess leading to other problems.

Iron deficiency

Iron deficiency is another common cause of yellowing in St. Augustine grass. Iron is an essential nutrient that is necessary for the grass to produce chlorophyll, the pigment that gives grass its green color. When there is a lack of iron, the blades of grass will turn yellow, while the veins of the leaves remain green.

Symptoms of iron deficiency in St. Augustine grass include:

-Yellowing of the blades, starting at the tips and progressing inward

-Yellowing between leaf veins, while the veins remain green

-Thinning of the lawn

-Reduced growth and vigor

Iron deficiency can be caused by a number of factors, including alkaline soil, overuse of the lawn, or a lack of fertilizer. It is important to regularly fertilize the lawn with a balanced fertilizer that contains iron and to make sure the soil is well-drained and has a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. Iron supplements are also available in chelated form, which is more readily absorbed by plants.

Disease or pests

Yellowing in St. Augustine grass can also be caused by disease or pests. These issues can damage the blades of grass, causing them to turn yellow and die. Disease and pests can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor soil conditions, overuse of the lawn, and changes in weather.

Chinch bugs

A bug sitting on a leaf. Close-up. A bug sitting on a leaf. Close-up. Chinch bugs stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

Chinch bugs are a common pest that can cause yellowing in St. Augustine grass. They are small, winged insects that feed on the sap of grass, causing damage to the blades and roots. They are most active in the summer months and can be identified by their small size (about 1/6 inch long) and red and black coloration.

Symptoms of chinch bug infestation in St. Augustine grass include:

-Yellowing of the blades, starting at the edges of the lawn and progressing inward

-Thinning of the lawn

-Brown patches of grass

-A foul smell when the affected area is disturbed

Control of chinch bugs typically involves the use of pesticides. It is important to apply the pesticide according to the label instructions and to use a product that is labeled for use on St. Augustine grass.

Gray leaf spot

Gray leaf spot is a fungal disease that can cause yellowing in St. Augustine grass. It is most active in the summer and fall months, when humidity is high. The fungus attacks the blades of grass, causing small, circular spots that are gray in color. As the disease progresses, the spots can merge and cause yellowing and death of the affected blades of grass.

Symptoms of gray leaf spot in St. Augustine grass include:

-Yellowing of the blades, starting as small, circular spots that are gray in color

-Thinning of the lawn

-Brown patches of grass

-A foul smell when the affected area is disturbed

Control of gray leaf spot typically involves a combination of cultural practices and the use of fungicides. It is important to keep the lawn well-fertilized and well-watered, and to avoid overuse of the lawn. Fungicides should be applied according to the label instructions and to use a product that is labeled for use on St. Augustine grass.

Environmental factors

Environmental factors can also cause yellowing in St. Augustine grass. Two common environmental factors that can cause yellowing are drought stress and excessive shade.

Drought stress occurs when the lawn does not receive enough water. This can cause the blades of grass to turn yellow and die. Symptoms of drought stress in St. Augustine grass include:

-Yellowing of the blades

-Wilting of the blades

-Thinning of the lawn

-Brown patches of grass

To alleviate drought stress, it is essential to ensure that the lawn receives enough water. This can be accomplished by watering the lawn deeply and infrequently rather than frequently and lightly. It is also essential to avoid the overuse of the lawn during dry periods.

Excessive shade

Excessive shade can also cause yellowing in St. Augustine grass. St. Augustine grass prefers full sun and can struggle in areas that receive more than four hours of shade daily. Symptoms of excessive shade in St. Augustine grass include:

-Yellowing of the blades

-Thinning of the lawn

-Moss or other shade-loving plants growing in the affected area

To alleviate the effects of excessive shade, it is important to prune trees or other shading plants to increase the amount of sunlight reaching the lawn. Resolving or re-sod with a shade-tolerant grass variety may also be necessary.

Identification of the cause of yellowing

green grass  yellowing grass stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

Identifying the cause of yellowing in St. Augustine grass is important in order to take the appropriate actions to restore the health and color of the lawn. There are several key symptoms that can help to identify the cause of yellowing.

Symptoms of nutrient deficiencies

Symptoms of nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen or iron deficiency, include:

-Yellowing of the blades, starting at the tips and progressing inward

-Thinning of the lawn

-Reduced growth and vigor

-Leaves turning brown around the edges

-Yellowing between leaf veins, while the veins remain green

Signs of disease or pests, such as chinch bugs or gray leaf spot, include:

-Yellowing of the blades, starting at the edges of the lawn and progressing inward

-Thinning of the lawn

-Brown patches of grass

-A foul smell when the affected area is disturbed

-Small, circular spots that are gray in color

Signs of disease or pests

Signs of disease or pests, such as chinch bugs or gray leaf spots, include:

-Yellowing of the blades, starting at the edges of the lawn and progressing inward

-Thinning of the lawn

-Brown patches of grass

-A foul smell when the affected area is disturbed

-Small, circular spots that are gray

It’s important to note that multiple factors can cause these symptoms, and it’s crucial to thoroughly examine the lawn, soil, and weather conditions to identify the exact cause. Additional observation and examination of the affected area may be required, such as looking for insects or fungal growth, to confirm the cause of yellowing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, yellowing in St. Augustine grass can be caused by factors such as nutrient deficiencies, disease, and pests, or environmental conditions like drought stress and excessive shade. To identify the cause of yellowing, it is essential to examine the lawn, soil, and weather conditions thoroughly. Once you have identified the cause of yellowing, taking appropriate action will help restore your lawn’s health and color. With proper care and attention to detail when diagnosing problems with your St. Augustine grass, you should be able to keep it looking lush green all year round!

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