Without seeing a photo, I think many of us would guess that you have sod webworms (based on the description of there being holes in the middle of the leaf blades).

As these can be destructive, I would hit them a few times with something like grub ex (Chlorantraniliprole) and/or Bioadvanced grub killer (Trichlorfon). You will probably have to treat a few times over a few week period to break the cycle, but those insecticides will do it.

Telstar is bifenthrin (which I found to help with the sod web worms), but the other two I just mentioned were definitely much more effective and worked much more quickly. I continue to apply bifen (in addition to these other two) on roughly a monthly basis. Personally, I also add in imidicloprid every 3-4 months as well. In fact, your post is reminding me I am due

 

As for fungicide treatments stressing the grass......out all the fungicides I've used I've only noticed one that can have an effect on the grass if overapplied, and that is a propiconizole. It can stunt growth a little bit, and for some types of grass change their color.

 

@TampaBayFL

Sorry for the late, very late response! I'll try uploading some photos tomorrow, but I honestly haven't seen any real damage since my original post. I def want to keep a close eye in case it goes south real quick.

We finally had rain after two months so I'll see how it/if bounces back more over the next few days.

I have noticed some odd yellowing (very sparse) of some blades, but not a lot for concern. I do see some thinning in some Areas, which makes me believe it's possibly starting to show signs of disease. I have noticed moths in my yard but figured the imidocloprid application in may would have taken care of grubs.

Is the test for sod worms the same as checking for grubs or completely different insects therefore testing?

Would you recommend applying the Chlorantraniliprole/bio advance at the curative rate for the sections of the lawn that isn't affected?

I also apply the talstar extra monthly, is that too soon for granular? I couldn't seem to find any info on how long it lasts in Soil, only the liquid Bifen.

Last question- if I apply Trichlorfon,
should I hold off on the monthly talstar application?

 

@TampaBayFL

Here's some photos sir, I circled some of the problem spots in the close up shots. From far away it looks fine but zooming in you can kind of see the issues. I don't know if it's fungus, I did spray preventative fungal application each month this summer.

 

That doesn't look like insect damage to me; it looks like damage from being bruised by a dull blade. Sharpening your blades is easier said than done when it comes to Saint Augustine (and Zoysia). They are tough grasses that even the sharpest blades struggle to cut cleanly. You have to really stay on top of it.

 

@Redtwin

I thought so too, it's been close to 8hours of now time, was going to take them to be sharpened tomorrow actually!

What do you think of the holes in the some of the blades/ yellowing on some blades- No reason for concern?

To your point, The grass isn't pulling up upon tugging at it

 

Full disclosure: I'm not an expert regarding SA.

That being said, I don't see any insect or fungus issues but you will certainly want to get the blades cutting cleaner since the ragged edges will make it more susceptible to disease.

 

Here's what I think I see:

Shredded tips - blades dull or grass wet while cutting.
Leaf dying back from the tip - functional problem with plant vascular system, could be fungus or root-related issue.
Surface of leaf removed, one side only - early instar insect feeding, could be caterpillar/webworm.

 

@ionicatoms

Thanks again for your help, do you think I need to treat for anything at the moment based on what your seeing?

 

@Redtwin thank you for taking the time to respond, I def will take your advice regardless of your SA knowledge!

Taking the blades off tomorrow for sharpening. They seem to dull pretty easy, but makes sense wifh SA being so much hardier than other grass types

 

@ionicatoms

Thanks again for your help, do you think I need to treat for anything at the moment based on what your seeing?

Hard to say without seeing a journal. Overall symptoms are not super alarming. I would investigate for the presence of sod webworms to try to understand what is scraping the leaf surface. They come out in the evening and can be found with a flashlight, or soapy water test.

 

Here's what I think I see:

Shredded tips - blades dull or grass wet while cutting.
Leaf dying back from the tip - functional problem with plant vascular system, could be fungus or root-related issue.
Surface of leaf removed, one side only - early instar insect feeding, could be caterpillar/webworm.

100% agree with this. Dull blade, sod web worm, with possible fungus.

 

Im late to the reply party on this one......but no doubt there is some (small) amount of sod webworm damage, but the dull blade seems to be the bigger issue. Fungus (to some degree) may always be there, so just just a matter of minimizing it to your aesthetic preference. I hate fungus, so I tend to (probably overapply) fungicides proactively.