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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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Wednesday - July 18, 2012

From: Little Rock, AR
Region: Southeast
Topic: Non-Natives, Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Problems for non-native St. Augustine grass from Little Rock AR
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

We sodded St. Augustine grass four weeks ago. For the first three weeks we had no rain and temperatures over 100 degrees. We have watered 20 minutes twice a day since installation. There are brown patches throughout the grass that were on two corners initially. What can be the cause of these patches and the possible solution? Thank you

ANSWER:

Unfortunately, this is not the right place to come to for a question on St. Augustine grass. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is dedicated to the growth, protection and propagation of plants native not only to North America (St. Augustine is a tropical originating in Africa) but to the areas in which those plants are being grown. We are going to link you to some sites on St. Augustine that will hopefully answer your questions.

University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service St. Augustine Grass

Same source Choosing a Grass for Arkansas Lawns

 

 

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