Fungus and Mites

Question: I need help with a couple of issues:

1.   Underneath patches of dead grass, I found a crusty layer of matter which I have never seen before. (Been in house 20+ years. Lawn really suffered after last year's drought) . Is this fungus or something else.  If possible, please advise on treatment options.

2.   During the warmer months, there is something in my backyard that causes incessant itching on exposed skin.  It can't be seen (no, it's not noseeums) and it doesn't leave bites or a rash.  My backyard is covered by a wonderful oak canopy.  Could it be some sort of mite?  If so, how do I treat?

Thanks so much for your insight and help!

responder: Travis County Master Gardeners  Replied May 08, 2023, 2:32 PM EDT
response: It's difficult to look at these pictures and know exactly what's going on. There are insect pests (such as chinch bugs), as well as pathogens (both fungal and viral) that attack grass.  The place to start is looking at maintenance. St. Augustine grass builds up a thatch layer (dead grass that forms a mat on the surface of the soil). That could explain the crusty layer that you're finding. I would suggest starting with core aeration and top dressing with one inch of finely screened high quality compost. The aeration will help to break up the thatch layer and allow air, water, and nutrients to make their way down to the roots. It will also help lessen soil compaction (if that it an issue). An area that grass is not growing could imply there is too much shade, foot traffic, or damage caused by pets. So, it's best to rule out these possibilities before considering insect or pathogen culprits.  The best way to prevent disease in lawns is to have a healthy lawn, which means having healthy soil. Beneficial nematodes can also be introduced as natural predators in the soil.  Here's a guide to maintaining St. Augustine lawns: http://publications.tamu.edu/TURF_LANDSCAPE/PUB_turf_Maintaining%20St.%20Augustine%20Grass%20Lawns.pdf  I hope this helps!  Brittany Taylor

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 18, 2023, 5:45 PM EDT
response: Thank you Brittany!  I've got some compost ready to go and have begun aerating the soil.  I will mow at a lower setting to strengthen the grass.  The lawn was always healthy until last year's drought. It seemed to wreak havoc on front and back lawns.  However, the backyard, which has shallower soil, does not have the crusty layer, but it does have something that causes itchy itchy ew ew.  Do you have any thoughts on the cause of this? It started happening again this year.  Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom with me!Best Wishes,Peggy SouthallOn Mon, May 8, 2023 at 1:32 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Travis County Master Gardeners  Replied May 20, 2023, 4:52 PM EDT
response: I'm sorry, I don't what would cause itching. Chiggers can be problematic around this time of the year. There may be another plant mixed in with your grass that is causing skin irritation. But I don't know how the grass itself would cause itching unless someone was allergic. If it's happening around the same time each year, then I'll bet it's not the grass, but rather another plant or insect in the backyard.  You might consider seeing your doctor, if over-the-counter itch relief cream isn't helping.  Best, Brittany