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Taken from Turfgrass Diseases in Georgia byAlfredo Martinez, Extension Plan

Gray leaf spot is a fungus disease that affects several turfgrasses. It is a mainly a problem on St. Augustinegrass and perennial ryegrass. Hot humid summer weather and high nitrogen levels can make turf susceptible to this disease.

Occasionally turfgrass begins to thin and moss and algae begin to grow. These primitive plants develop because conditions for growing dense, healthy turf have declined. Neither moss nor algae are thought to be parasitic and both are spread by wind blown spores. Moss and algae can both form crusts on the soil surface which reduces air and water movement into the soil. Factors that favor the development of moss and algae include wet and humid conditions and compacted soils with thin turf.

Often one of our biggest problems in the spring is fertilizing turf too early. Early application of fertilizer can lead to early green up. Though this may please the client, turf that greens up early can be more susceptible to damage by late cold weather. Early fertilization may predispose the turf to disease problems. Also, nitrogen applied too early may not be taken up by plant roots which are still dormant. This nitrogen can be lost by leaching and runoff.

There are several species of crabgrass that are common weeds in turfgrass. They include, Blanket Crabgrass, India Crabgrass, Smooth Crabgrass, Tropical Crabgrass, Large Crabgrass, and Hairy Crabgrass.
 

Description:

Thatch is defined as an accumulation of dead and living plant material (stems, roots, and shoots) that develops between the soil surface and the green leaves of a turf. Thatch development is a natural process that occurs during normal growth of turfgrasses.

Georgia's landfills are filling up and closing at an alarming rate, and citizens everywhere are recycling to help them last longer.

Fairy Ring (Clamp fungi mushrooms and approximately 50 Genera species of fungi) Fairy ring is caused by many types of basidiomycetes most of which produce mushrooms after heavy rains usually during late summer or early fall. Fairy ring can enlarge and cause severe damage or death to turfgrass.

Dollar Spot makes circular areas only a few inches in diameter. Spots may run together causing large, irregular patterns. Blades have straw-colored lesions along one edge that spread across the leaf blade until tips dieback. Leading edge of dieback is reddish brown.