Common plant problems in the Atlanta area
PESTS & PROBLEMS
Atlanta’s growing season provides plants with almost year around growth. Because of this long growing season pest populations can build to thresholds where plant damage can occur. The natural and man-manipulated environment in Atlanta can also cause stress and eventual decline in our landscapes and forests. The following is a list of some of the more common pests, cultural problems and environmental problems we may encounter year to year.

Spring Dead Spot

spring dead spot severe small.jpgspring dead spot1 small.jpgSpring Dead Spot is caused by a fungus that actually is active during the fall.  Consequently, treatment for this disease must be made in September or October.  Once the disease has exhibited in the spring recovery can be expedited by treating with a fungicide for turf diseases, flooding the area with water and fertilizing to initiate new growth.  If thatch is a problem then dethatch the area.

If the fungus is left untreated and unchecked it can become quite severe with the spots coalescing into large patches.

This disease can be prevented with proper nutrition, yearly core aeration to reduce compaction and care being taken not to fertilize with high nitrogen fertilizers late in the season such as in September.

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