My yard is surrounded by trees. Very little gets sunlight; in fact, I joke about having to mow my weeds.
St Augustine is not reliably hardy that far north. There are other grass types that could work for you, as well as non-grass groundcovers. This article has more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/growing-grass-shade.htm
Also, here's an article on grass for your part of the country: https://utextension.tennessee.edu/publications/documents/PB1626.pdf
Last year about this time I noticed brown areas in my yard. I treated it for mole crickets, planted new grass where some bugs had destroyed it, and that area seems to be doing fine now. I did treat the whole yard last year. I am noticing now it is reappearing in a different area of my yard. It appears as if it were tunneled and the grass turns brown. If you pull the brown grass, it comes up without roots. I tried the soapy water test and nothing came up except normal garden worms. What could this be? I need to catch it before it spreads.
It could be lawn grubs or a fungus of some kind. These articles should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/lawn-grubs-how-to-get-rid-of-grub-worms.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/grass-fungus.htm
Large tan circles appearing in my St. Augustine grass. Grass is becoming straw like. What can I do?
It sounds like you have a fungus. You will need to treat the lawn with a fungicide. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/grass-fungus.htm
What is the most effective method of treating Saint Augustine lawn for grub worm infestation during the month of November in San Antonio, Texas?
This article has good, basic advice on the approach to dealing with lawn grubs at any time of year.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/get-rid-of-grub-worms.htm
My yard is planted with St. Augustine grass. During the warmer months, a rusty colored ball will grow in my yard in various places. At first I was surprised when I dug it out of the ground. I has a strange root system, the root system is larger than the part that is above ground and it smells awful. When the yard dries during the summer, the balls dry up but do not change in size, and if touched in any way, a puff of rusty colored cloud comes out of it. What is it?
It sounds like a puffball mushroom. Here is more info on them:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puffball
This article will help with keeping them from growing in your yard:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/eliminate-mushrooms-in-your-lawn.htm
What to use to kill clover and other weeds?
Killing weeds in the lawn involves knowing first what kind of weeds you need to kill, because they don't all require the same kind of herbicide, or to be treated at the same time, and then you need to make sure the products you use are safe for the type of grass you have. It will require some research, using articles such as these: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/
However, you can also rely on expert assistance from the folks at the county extension service. This link will help you find the nearest office:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/what-is-extension-service.htm
I read on your site, as like a few others, about overseeding with St Augustine seed. You state seeding isn't recommended years ago but new methods of seed development has created a way to do it. Where can I buy that seed? I have a Raleigh St Augustine yard that I laid by sod rolls 2 years ago (5000 sq). It looks great but I think a light overseed in fall would be great for early spring growth. I just can't seems to locate the seed. I know to dethatch good, as seed needs to go on soil and to keep moist. Where is the seed found?
We can't provide specific product or store names, but if you enter the question "where to buy St Augustine grass seed" into your browser, you should be able to find some sources. I must say that there doesn't seem to be much seed out there. While it may be technically possible, I suspect that it's not working as well as people would like. You might like to consult with the county extension service. This link will help you find the nearest office:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/what-is-extension-service.htm