SPRINKLER TALK FORUM - You Got Questions, We've Got Answers

Its is the Fertigator fault...but any fertigation system would have given you the same problem. The reason being you are fertilizing a fungus, something you never want to do. The fungus feeds on the nitrogen in the plants and will also feed on the nitrogen in the fertilizer. By continually fertilizing, you are feeding the fungus. It is similar to pouring gasoline on a fire. Discontinue using your Fertigator until you have rid your landscape of the fungus. It must be completely gone otherwise you will be back to square one before you know it.

IF you applied that much fertilizer you should have seen some response in your landscape. There are several reasons why the response has been negligible. The top three listed below:

1.) Poor soil PH: Your soil can not be basic or acidic; some grasses can not even process nitrogen if the ph is below 6.5. Have some soil samples taken and they will tell you which way to go (lime or gypsum).

2.) Improper fertilizer choice: If you are using a general purpose formula i.e. 15-15-15 and expecting high growth or dramatic greening. Switch to a higher nitrogen formula to get the desired growth or greening.

3.) Weather: Landscapes need sun and warmth. In addition, some fertilizers require warmth as well. Check the type of nitrogen that is in your fertilizer, it will be listed on the label. Urea nitrogen (most common) does not release until the temperature rises above 80 degrees. Plants absorb nitrate nitrogen and must be able to convert urea into nitrate before it can be used. This process does not occur below 80 degrees. If you look at cooler weather formulas they are primarily comprised of nitrate nitrogen. The plants do not have to convert the nitrogen so it is readily available at lower temperatures.

I forgot to mention...do not water at night or do not over water! These are the leading causes of fungus and are easily remedied. If this is what created your problem simply changing your watering will not fix the problem. You will need to use a fungicide. The new watering schedule will prevent the fungus from retuning.

Sounds like you are on the right path...but do not give up on the fertigator just yet. Once your fungus is cured and you are sure you ph is in balance give it another shot.

I do apologize, I should not have used the word cured, wrong terminology...the fungicides stop the spread of the fungus and/or prevent it. It will not cure your damaged roots. Follow the instructions that came with your fungicide. Usually they recommend one application every two to four weeks. Once you feel the fungus is contained (usually about 4 weeks to be safe) you can begin fertilizing again. Any plant material that is unaffected by the fungus can be fertilized normally.

Be sure to water your plant material the day before the application. This will drastically reduce the damage to your plants. In addition, a little strong can cause a lot of harm...fungicide can hurt your plants worse than the fungus.

keep in mind, the guy at lesco, although he probably knows his stuff, does not have to pay for your damaged plants...