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Devonshire is currently experiencing a widespread turf problem consistent with Take-All Root Rot (TARR), a fungal disease that attacks the root system of St. Augustine grass and can result in large areas of thinning or dead turf.

Unlike more common lawn diseases such as Brown Patch and Dollar Spot, TARR requires a specialized treatment and recovery program beyond our normal lawn-maintenance services.

How Is Your HOA Addressing This Issue?
The Devonshire Board is working closely with our lawn-care service provider, DORA Landscape, on a multi-phase treatment and recovery program designed to control the disease, protect surviving turf, encourage root recovery, and reduce further damage.

The first phase consists of three specialized fungicide treatments approximately 30 days apart:

• October 2026 – Azoxystrobin
• November 2026 – Propiconazole
• December 2026 – Atticus Artavia XCEL

DORA's discounted cost for these three (3) community-wide treatments is $12,150.

A second identical three-treatment cycle is also planned for early spring 2027 as part of the overall recovery program, bringing the total discounted cost of the six (6) fungicide applications to $24,300.  Because TARR attacks the roots, residents should not expect an immediate visible improvement after the initial treatments. The first objective is to control the disease and improve the health of the root system.

How Will the $24,300 Treatment Program Be Funded?
The Board plans to fund the entire $24,300 treatment program through the 2027 budget rather than charging homeowners a separate special assessment for the treatment.

To help offset the majority of this expense, the proposed 2027 budget eliminates approximately:

• $9,300 in community mulching
• $7,000 in front canopy tree pruning

The Board believes these services can be deferred for one year based on the community's recent mulching schedule and the current healthy condition of our front canopy trees.

The remaining cost of the TARR program, along with normal annual increases in community operating expenses such as management services, electricity, insurance, and other administrative costs, is included in a proposed $9-per-month increase in Devonshire's HOA assessments for 2027 (residents will be receiving a copy of the 2027 budget in the mail in the next week).

What Happens in the Spring?
After the initial fall/winter treatment cycle, DORA will evaluate the condition of the turf and identify areas that have suffered significant damage. Soil tissue samples will be taken to confirm if TARR is still present in order to determine if it's advisable for residents who wish to invest in replacement sod to move forward.

The Board recommends that homeowners wait for Dora's evaluation before replacing damaged sod. Installing new sod too early could result in homeowners investing in replacement turf before the underlying disease has been adequately mitigated.

Areas requiring replacement sod will be measured, and homeowners who choose to replace damaged turf will receive an individual estimate from DORA before authorizing the work.

DORA is offering Devonshire homeowners a special "Partnership Discounted Price" of approximately $2.25 per square foot for full sod remediation (which includes dead turf removal, area and soil prep with micronutrients, sod delivery, and professional installation).

Irrigation Is an Important Part of Recovery
Proper supplemental watering will also be critical. Residents should avoid both extremes: allowing turf to become severely drought-stressed and keeping the soil excessively wet or constantly saturated.

During hot or dry periods, once-a-week irrigation may not provide enough moisture. Supplemental watering may be necessary depending on the conditions.

Residents should also check their property for irrigation or drainage problems and submit a work order for areas experiencing significant or spreading turf decline so Dora can be formally notified.

Recovery Will Take Time
Please keep in mind that fungicide cannot bring already-dead grass back to life. The goal of the treatment program is to:

• Control the disease
• Protect surviving turf
• Encourage healthy root recovery
• Reduce additional turf loss
• Prepare damaged areas for successful sod replacement where necessary

Because TARR affects the root system, improvements may occur below ground before they become visible in the lawn.

DORA will continue monitoring turf conditions and coordinating the treatment, evaluation, sod-remediation, and recovery phases with Devonshire.

More Information
For residents who would like additional details about Take-All Root Rot, the treatment process, sod remediation, irrigation recommendations, and the complete recovery timeline:

VIEW THE COMPLETE TARR INFORMATION DOCUMENTS BELOW ATTACHED BELOW

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not reply to this email.  Instead, reach out to one our board members or submit your question on our contacts web page link found here:
Devonshire Contacts 

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to restore the health of Devonshire's lawns.