What happened to my grasses?

13 years ago

We went outside today to cut back our grasses and 4 out of 6 Hamlin grasses appear to have rotted and 3 out of about 10 switch grasses as well. I also noticed a lot of snail or slug type casings near the plants. They look like a peeled clove of garlic but a greenish yellow. The grasses look like they were sliced clean at the bottom and all the roots are like peat moss. that's all that's left. We have had the grasses abut 6 years and have never had a problem

Is it rot or insect infestation? We have had an exceptionally wet spring.

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Comments (3)

donn_
13 years ago
It's hard to tell without photos, but it sounds like the crowns rotted. Long term wet weather and soil which does not drain adequately can do that. I lost a few well established grasses this year to rot, and my soil drains beautifully, but the wet weather took its toll.
grass_guy
13 years ago
I think donn's right. Worst situation is when it's wet weather with yo-yo temps. Recipe for rot. Been a tough winter/spring for the garden in most areas.
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donn_
13 years ago
One good way to combat rot is to try to completely clean out the top of the crown when you cut the grass back. I am almost OCD about raking and even using tweezers to pick out any loose stuff like trapped leaves and such. Anything which can hold moisture can lead to crown rot.