Black Spots on New Sod

Leaf Spot

• Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes dark purplish-red or brown spots on sod, which can look black from far away. The fungal disease may also kill the tips of the grass blade, which can lead to large dead areas in the sod.

Necrotic Ring Spot

• Necrotic ring spot is a fungal disease that causes long black strands of fungal spores on sod. Grass can exhibit signs of this disease either on its roots or crown. Death can be a result of this disease because of the stress it puts on grass.

Stripe Smut

• Stripe smut is a fungal disease that starts as yellow-green stripes in the grass, which turns black. Grass blades that have been infected with the disease will eventually die and cause the grass to look thin in areas.