Common Lawn Problems for St. Augustine Grass in Texas 

Having a lush, green lawn in Texas can be a source of pride for many homeowners. One of the most popular grass types in Texas is St. Augustine grass, known for its rich green color and thick growth. However, like any other type of grass, St. Augustine grass lawns can face their fair share of problems. The climate in Texas with high temperatures during summer paired with high humidity can make St. Augustine lawns a welcome place for diseases or pests.  

St. Augustine Lawn Diseases 

St. Augustine grass, despite its resilience, can fall victim to various diseases and lawn issues. These diseases can weaken your lawn and make it look less vibrant. Two common lawn diseases that may pop up in a St. Augustine lawn during fall are Brown Patch Fungus and Gray Leaf Spot. 

Brown Patch Disease  

Brown patch disease is a fungal problem that often occurs in hot and humid Texas weather. Disease activity normally spikes around late summer or early fall. It appears as circular patches of brown or yellow grass surrounded by a dark ring. This disease can be treated with fungicides and can be improved with proper lawn care practices, such as good watering and core aeration. Avoid overwatering your lawn or watering late in the evening. Leaving the lawn moist overnight encourages fungal disease. 

Gray Leaf Spot Disease  

Gray leaf spot disease also thrives in hot weather and high humidity. It shows up as small, irregularly shaped spots or lesions with gray centers on the grass blades. To combat gray leaf spot disease, you can apply fungicides and ensure your lawn has good air circulation. 

Lawn Pest Problems in St. Augustine Grass  

Armyworms in Bermuda lawns are normally the main focus during fall in Texas. But St. Augustine grass in Texas can be bothered by various pests also. 

White Grubs 

White grubs are the larvae of Japanese beetles and can be a real nuisance to your lawn. They feed on the grassroots, leading to yellowing or wilting of the turf. Signs of a white grub infestation include loose, brown patches of grass that can be rolled up like a carpet. You can check for white grubs with the “tug test” method, by lightly pulling up on the grass. Affected areas will feel loose and lift easily. Grubs can cause a great deal of damage to the lawn’s root systems and should be treated as soon as possible. To control white grubs, consider using insecticides or beneficial nematodes.  

Signs of Grub Worm Damage 

• Your grass feels spongy when you walk on it. 
• Patches of grass easily come up like new or unrooted sod. 
• An increased presence of birds or other animals digging your lawn. 
• You may notice patches of dying or dead grass. 

Chinch Bugs  

Chinch bugs are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaf blades of your grass, causing them to turn yellow and die. If you see yellowish or brownish patches in your lawn, particularly in hot and dry conditions, chinch bugs could be the culprits. 

Signs of Chinch Bug Damage  

• Irregular yellow or brown patches in the grass. 
• Distinct border between affected areas and healthy areas. 
• Chinch bugs may be visible in the thatch layer, close to the soil. 

Fire Ants   

While they may not be considered a threat to your lawn, fire ants are definitely a nuisance to you and your family. Fire ant mounds can pop up out of nowhere and their painful, itchy bites aren’t just a problem during summer. In Texas, fire ants can be a problem year-round, but they become very active in spring or fall.  

Protect Your Texas Lawn from Common Grass Diseases and Pests  

When it comes to protecting your Texas lawn from common lawn issues, Aggieland Green is the way to go. Since 2008, we’ve provided top-quality lawn care and professional customer service for homeowners in College Station, Bryan, and Northwest Houston. We take a personalized approach to your lawn care by providing expert recommendations and watering guidelines along the way. Achieving a happy, healthy lawn in Texas takes teamwork and we are here to educate you about proper lawn maintenance practices to ensure you get the most out of our services. In addition to lawn care, we offer tree and shrub care, core aeration, mosquito control, lawn disease control, and lawn pest control. We proudly service the communities in College Station, Bryan, Cypress, Houston, Magnolia, The Woodlands, Tomball, and surrounding areas. Contact us today for a free quote!