Dry spots or disease?
In many instances, especially during hot and dry conditions, areas in the turf that appear to be disease activity are simply dry areas we call "hot spots". Checking the soil in these areas will quickly show that the soil is excessively dry. The reason these spots develop especially with irrigation is a simple problem called sprinkler over throw. Each head must be checked to insure that not only is it working but that it is properly distributing the water. Note the arc of the stream "overthrowing" the dry, brown area. The remedy is fairly simple. Adjust the head so that the stream is "feathered" and that adequate water is actually falling beneath the arc of the water stream.
Initially, if a hot spot occurs, spot water the affected area for 1 - 2 hours to rehydrate the area. Your watering schedule should be 1X per week to yield ~1" of water during most of the year and 2X per week to yield 1" of water per application when temperatures are above 90 degrees.
Go Back