Areas do not green up in the spring or begin to die in late spring or during drought stress. Grass at the edge of affected areas may yellow, wilt, and die. Nematode damage appears as weak areas invaded by weeds. If nematodes are suspected, submit a soil sample for analysis. Ground pearls appear as circular dead areas with only weeds growing in the center.
Fairy rings appear as circular green or dead areas that continue to enlarge for several years.
Injury from certain broadleaf weed control herbicides and mismanagement can also display these symptoms. Following proper lawn management practices, as discussed in this publication, is the best means of preventing and controlling centipedegrass problems. Continual loss of centipedegrass may indicate the need to choose another grass species. Contact your county Extension Center for assistance if needed. Maintenance programs provided by professional lawn care service companies may differ from recommendations given here yet be equally effective.