iTurf Solutions

Scotts has developed a set of iTurf Solution documents which cover common turf problem with recommendations.

Please browse through the solution sheets.
Is your turf problem not mentioned? Please don't hesitate to contact us as we are just as dedicated to grass as you are.

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Algae
Turf with poor density is susceptible to algea infestation and causes of this could be under fertilization, over-watering, scalping from mowing and shady conditions.

Anthracnose
Anthracnose attackes grass plants (normally only Poa annua) when they are under environmental stress.

Black Layer
It is important to understand the causes of this problem as it can have serious consequences on the health of your turf area.

Chafer Grubs
Damage is mosst evident in August and September (grub stage) and early symptoms include gradual thinning, yellowing and weakening of the grass followed by scattered, irregular dead patches.

Cold Management
Temperature is an important factor in determining the growth rate of turf. In low temperatures, grass growth will slow and eventually become dormant; in very low temperatures the turf will be damaged.

Dew Dispersal
It is common practice in the maintenance of golf greens and other fine turf areas to remove the dew from the surface of the turf, to reduce disease pressure.

Dollar Spot
Festuca species are perceived to be the most susceptible grasses.

Drought Management
It is important to maintain a good soil structure and composition so aeration and top dressing pratices are key.

Earthworms
Earthworms come to the surface under moist soil conditions and retreat downward in dry weather.

Fairy Rings
Fairy Rings are usually caused by infrequent watering and fertilizer regimes. The rings of stimulated grass growth are the result of nitrogen released in the soil by the Fairy Ring activity under ground breaking down organic matter to release ammonia.

Fusarium Patch
Fusarium appears as circular patches up to 300mm in diamtere with leaves that become water soaked, then turn reddish-brown and then bleach.

Green Speed
Fast greens are sometimes perceived to be good greens but this is not necessarily the case.

Leaf Spot
Occurs during warmer seasons, high humidity, drought conditions, wet foliage, high shade levels and conditions typical of a stadium environment.

Leatherjackets
Keep a look out for the adult Carne Fly activity throughout the summer.

Moss
Moss damages turf in terms of performance, aesthetics and competition, creating vulnerability to wear and allow conditions for weed invasion.

Nutrition - Greens
The greens of a golf course are the single most important area of turf so their appearance and performance are critical.

Over-Seeding
New seedlings need all the help they can get to ensure good establishment.

Pythium Blight
The disease spreads rapidly and can destroy large areas overnight.

Red Thread
Red Thread are light brown spots on turf, which have a reddish appearance.

Salt
High soil salt levels cause the following problems: water deficit, ion toxicity, ion (nutrient) imbalances and poor soil permeability.

Shade
In low light conditions, plants naturally grow upwards in order to out compete other plants and capture more light.

Take-All Patch
Take-All Patch primarily attacks Bent (Agrostis) grasses.

Thatch
Thatch can hinder root development and becomes hydrophobic when it dries out and it can cause water holding problems.

Water Logging
High rainfall events and winter flooding are becoming more common.

Wear Tolerance
Turf that receives high traffic pressure will be susceptible to wear damage and also increase risk of disease.