Turfgrass news
Many instances of damage to warm-season turf grasses in North Carolina this year haven’t been attributable to the usual suspects—insects and disease. Rather, experts at N.C. State University believe the colder than normal winter and lingering cool spring may be the culprit in many cases of irregularly damaged turf, especially zoysiagrass in the Piedmont region. Young plantings (two years or less) seem to be more vulnerable to winter kill, as are lawns that are already stressed due to other factors. Typical diseases of zoysiagrass include “large patch” and “spring dead spot.” For help with diagnosis and other information, visit www.turffiles.ncsu.edu, or send an e-mail to turf_webmaster@cropsci.ncsu.edu.