Lawn Experts - Need Help

[TB80]

So about three years ago we had a sprinkler system installed, dirt brought in, and new St. Augustine grass placed in our backyard. Now it looks like this:







I only know how to mow my lawn. I don't know how to make the grass grow. I have not done anything to my yard other than water it and mow it since I put in the new grass.

Any suggestions on why the grass is dying and what to do to fix it? Fertilizer? Weed killer? I have four or five pecan trees in my backyard and don't want to do anything that could hurt them.

Thanks

[bobc]

I am new to maintaining St. Augustine myself. I started this thread a few days ago. Lots of useful info contained within.

http://discussions.texasbowhunter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=577032

[tex4k]

Judging by the shadows from the tree limbs, I'm going to guess you've got to much shade.
Don't know the exact requirements but if I recollect correct you need about 8 hrs of sunlight to keep the grass going strong.

[spro]

Fertilizer and water. Looks like you have high traffic so more of both would help. St. Augustine should do pretty good in limited sun.

[CastAndBlast]

I would re0sod those areas personally and start over. Looks like a combination of low nutrient soil, traffic, too much shade, and too short of a cut.

[Sleepy]

Use a fertilizer with a 3-1-2 ratio, water heavily once per week during dry times. Set your mower as high as it will go, then back it off one notch.

[quarterback]

I see someone who may have a serious grubworm problem.

If you have St. Augustine and haven't treated for grubs, you need to now. They will kill your yard if you don't. Did you have a lot of June bugs last spring? If you see them this year, that will be a good indicator of how bad the grubs are. Treat your yard now for grub worms.

[Simple Man]

Check out Randy Lemons fertilization schedule. I'm following it for the first time this year.

[tpack]

Check this post out. You got more going on than just needing fertilizer. I almost lost all of my lawn 2 years ago to take all root rot.

http://discussions.texasbowhunter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=577032&highlight=tarr

[llbts1]

Mow as high as the mower will go. Plug aerate your yard, you can rent one at Depot. Put down Milorganite fertilizer. Your SA will take off once the ground warms up. I agree with QB, check for grubs.

[Burnadell]

Have you not fertilized it at all?

Where is this? What type soil?