"austinartistdotnet" wrote
a sad tale of woe and sorrow ...

Even the most militant of HOA's (like mine) would surely understand if you
simply explain that the sprinkler system failed while you were out of town
and the grass died. Do not bring up any of the other issues. Tell them you
are working with the County Extension Service to solve the problem. Mike's
idea of lawn dye might be a good temporary solution, but use something
gentle so as not to kill what's left or poison the soil.

I don't know much, nor care much, about lawns, but I know not to make those
mistakes ... so here's my 2 cents worth of advice:

Call your county extension service! It is their job to help you. See
http://texasextension.tamu.edu

Go to http://www.growgreen.org and read about proper lawn care.

Make sure it is not a chinch bug problem, acerbated by the lack of water.
See my post of 7/26/2006 Subject: Fw: summer pests -- Chiggers, Fleas,
Chinch bugs

Don't do anything rash right now. Grass can come back from the roots.

If the soil is deep enough to grow St. Augustine grass, it is deep enough
for you to follow the recommended watering regimen. I'm really curious as
to why you decided to not follow the recommendations. Did you fancy yourself
an expert?

Don't put topsoil over the grass unless you're going to re-sod it. Check
with your county extension service (or the Travis County Extension Service,
who frequently deal with lawn questions) and ask if there is a mulch or
compost you could apply and follow their advice (more is not better).

Don't plan your Xeriscape now because the lawn is in an unnatural state
(even for a lawn). I think a good way to Xeriscape is to replace difficult
or problem areas in an otherwise healthy lawn with Xeriscape landscaping.
The Travis County Extension Service will send you a Native and Adapted
Landscape Plants guide for free (supposedly $1 for non-Travis County
residents, but they never charge. Don't tell anyone else :-). Call
512-854-9600.

NEVER mow St. Augustine grass short again! It looks better tall. If you
really like the putting green look, plant a different grass.

Take everything I say with a grain of salt and CALL YOUR COUNTY EXTENSION
SERVICE!

j jhnsn

I'm not a Texas Master Gardener, but I sleep with one.