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Diagnose problem with lawn #877427

Asked July 16, 2024, 9:13 AM EDT

Last summer, a patch of lawn in our condo complex suddenly died. We had two lawn care companies look at it. Neither one could figure it out, including one man who had worked for PureGreen for 40 years. It's still damaged this summer. Could someone from the MSU Turfgrass program diagnose it for us?

Ingham County Michigan

Expert Response


Hello,

Based on what I see in your images, this looks like:

Dollar Spot: More information at tis link:

Dollar Spot - Turf (msu.edu)

OR

Summer Patch: More information at this link:

Summer Patch - Turf (msu.edu)

I highly recommend that you get a confirmed and precise identification of the problem, I recommend you send all your images by e-mail to the MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab. The experts there can also provide you with the best treatment options. Their email is <personal data hidden> - Please include your name – The lab will let you know if they need a sample sent. FYI – The lab may also ask for additional images too.

Their website is at this link:

Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)

Their Contact Information is at this link:

Contact Us - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)

This link will explain the details on submitting a sample to MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab:

Submit Samples - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)

Residential Turf

Include a square of turf from the margin of the diseased area so that both healthy and diseased turf is included. Minimally, the turf square should be 6 inches x 6 inches. An intact layer of soil should remain on the root system. Wrap samples in newspaper and pack in a box for shipment. Do not add moisture to the turf prior to shipment. Provide a detailed description of cultural practices (irrigation, fertilization, pesticide application, etc.) and images of the symptoms in the lawn with the sample.

Ship/Deliver Samples Directly to:

MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics
578 Wilson Road
East Lansing, MI 48824

I hope this helps! Any other questions please ask.



An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 16, 2024, 1:48 PM EDT
Wow! Thanks for all that information and the prompt reply! I don't think our problem is either dollar spot or summer patch, because it didn't turn colors - it just got bare. But I know now where to follow up with a sample. Again, thank you! I love MSU!
Lee Griffin '65, '67, '09

On Tue, Jul 16, 2024 at 1:48 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 16, 2024, 2:09 PM EDT

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