An unsightly surprise during spring green up can be spring dead spot. The spring dead spot fungus attacks the roots, rhizomes, and stolons of Bermuda grass during the fall and winter. Cold winters with temps that get down in the low 20’s and teens can intensify the effects of the fungus thus making winter damage a likely possibility.
Spring dead spot symptoms appear in circular patches from 4 inches to 2-3 feet in diameter that stay dormant as the grass greens up in the spring. Untreated the patches can get larger and they usually form in the same spot each year.
In severe situations it may take the whole growing season to correct the damage from the fungus. Multiple core aerations and topdressing of the affected areas will speed up the recovery time of the grass. A fall fungicide application with a high rate fungicide will be needed to help get rid of the fungus. There is a good chance a repeat application of fungicide the following year will be needed to help eradicate the fungus from your lawn.
Proper mowing, watering (1 inch per week) and fertilization also help with the prevention of spring dead spot.
