Spring Dead Spot (SDS)

Bleached, straw-colored circular patches ranging from 6 inches (15 cm) to several feet (up to 1.5 meters) in diameter.

Affected plants display shortened, dark-brown to black roots, impairing recovery.

Patches may feature living grass at the center, creating a "frog-eye" appearance.

Patches can occur in isolation or affect widespread areas of turf.

SDS pathogens thrive during cool, wet fall weather when soil temperatures drop below 70°F (21°C), followed by a cold winter.

Disease severity increases after mild winters, especially in areas with extended periods of winter dormancy.

More common in areas with thatch > 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) thick and in exposed, poorly drained locations.

Heavy nitrogen applications in late summer or fall contribute to disease progression.

Older bermudagrass cultivars and highly susceptible varieties are at greater risk.

Dethatch regularly to reduce organic material where SDS pathogens thrive.

Avoid excessive nitrogen applications in late summer or fall to prevent disease escalation.

Improve soil drainage and aeration to reduce environmental stressors.

Strengthen turf before dormancy with balanced potassium applications to improve winter hardiness.

Consider planting SDS-resistant cultivars in areas with a history of the disease.

Should also be applied in the fall where the disease is chronic to boost winter hardiness.

Or other acidifying nitrogen sources combined with potassium at spring green-up and thereafter until full recovery has been achieved.

In the fall when soil temperatures are below 70°F. Two applications on a 28-day interval are recommended in most cases.

​