From Brown Patches to Fungus: Conquering Lawn Diseases

A lush green lawn is the pride of any homeowner, but it can quickly turn into a nightmare if lawn diseases take hold. Understanding the common diseases that can affect your lawn and their causes is the first step in preventing and treating them effectively.

One of the most common lawn diseases is brown patch. It is caused by a fungus called Rhizoctonia solani, which thrives in warm and humid conditions. Brown patch typically appears as circular or irregular patches of brown grass with a darker ring around the outside. Over time, these patches can grow and merge, leaving large areas of dead grass in its wake.

Another common lawn disease is dollar spot, which is caused by the fungus Sclerotinia homoeocarpa. Dollar spot gets its name from the small, silver dollar-sized patches it creates on the lawn. These patches start off as light tan and gradually turn straw-colored. Dollar spot is more prevalent in cool and humid weather conditions, especially when the lawn is stressed from drought or excessive nitrogen fertilization.

Signs and symptoms of lawn diseases

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of lawn diseases is crucial in identifying and treating them promptly. Brown patch, for example, starts as small circular patches of brown grass that are about the size of a dinner plate. These patches can quickly expand and merge, leaving behind a large area of dead grass. Another telltale sign of brown patch is a dark brown or purplish ring surrounding the patch of dead grass.

Dollar spot, on the other hand, starts as small, silver dollar-sized patches of tan or straw-colored grass. These patches can merge and create larger areas of dead or dying grass. Another characteristic symptom of dollar spot is the presence of white cobweb-like mycelium on the grass blades early in the morning, especially when the lawn is wet.

Preventing lawn diseases through proper maintenance

Preventing lawn diseases starts with proper maintenance practices. Regular mowing is essential to keep the grass at the recommended height, as taller grass shades the soil and promotes moisture retention, creating favorable conditions for lawn diseases. It is also important to sharpen the mower blades regularly to prevent tearing or shredding of the grass, which can weaken it and make it more susceptible to diseases.

Proper watering techniques to prevent lawn diseases

Watering your lawn correctly is crucial in preventing lawn diseases. Overwatering can create excessive moisture on the grass blades and in the soil, providing an ideal environment for fungal growth. On the other hand, underwatering can stress the grass and make it more susceptible to diseases. The key is to water deeply but infrequently, allowing the grass roots to grow deep into the soil and promoting a healthy and disease-resistant lawn.

To determine the right amount of water your lawn needs, you can use the "screwdriver test." Simply push a screwdriver into the soil after watering and see how far it goes. If it goes easily to a depth of 6 inches, the lawn has been watered adequately. If it doesn't go in easily, it means the soil is dry and the lawn needs more water.

Lawn care practices that reduce the risk of lawn diseases

In addition to proper maintenance and watering techniques, there are several lawn care practices that can help reduce the risk of lawn diseases. One such practice is aerating the lawn. Core aeration involves removing small plugs of soil from the lawn, creating channels for air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil. This helps reduce soil compaction and promotes a healthier lawn that is less prone to diseases.

Regular dethatching is another important lawn care practice. Thatch is a layer of dead grass, roots, and other organic matter that accumulates between the grass blades and the soil. Excessive thatch can create a barrier, preventing air, water, and nutrients from reaching the grass roots. Removing thatch through dethatching promotes better airflow and nutrient absorption, reducing the risk of lawn diseases.

Identifying and treating specific lawn diseases

To effectively treat lawn diseases, it is essential to accurately identify the specific disease affecting your lawn. Each disease requires a different treatment approach, and using the wrong treatment can be ineffective or even harmful to the grass. If you are unsure about the type of disease affecting your lawn, it is best to consult with a professional lawn care service or a local agricultural extension office for guidance.

For brown patches, fungicides can be used to control the spread of the disease. Fungicides containing active ingredients such as azoxystrobin, propiconazole, or thiophanate-methyl are effective in controlling brown patch. However, they should be used according to the manufacturer's instructions and in conjunction with proper lawn maintenance practices.

Dollar spot can also be treated with fungicides, but prevention through proper maintenance is key. Fungicides containing active ingredients such as myclobutanil or propiconazole can be effective in controlling dollar spot. However, it is important to follow the recommended application rates and frequency to avoid the development of fungicide resistance.

Fungicides and other treatments for lawn diseases

In addition to fungicides, there are other treatments that can help control and prevent lawn diseases. Biofungicides, which contain beneficial microorganisms that compete with and suppress the disease-causing fungi, can be used as an alternative to chemical fungicides. These biofungicides are safe for the environment and can be effective in managing lawn diseases when used according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Cultural practices such as overseeding and topdressing can also help prevent and control lawn diseases. Overseeding involves spreading grass seed over an existing lawn to fill in thin or bare spots. This helps create a denser turf that is more resistant to diseases. Topdressing involves spreading a thin layer of compost or sand over the lawn, which helps improve soil structure, drainage, and overall lawn health.

Hiring professional lawn care services for disease prevention

If you find yourself overwhelmed with lawn diseases or if you simply want to ensure the health and beauty of your lawn, hiring a professional lawn care service can be a wise investment. Professional lawn care technicians have the knowledge, experience, and resources to accurately identify and treat lawn diseases. 

When hiring a professional lawn care service, it is important to choose a reputable company with a track record of success. Look for companies that are licensed and insured, and ask for references or testimonials from satisfied customers. A reliable lawn care service will conduct a thorough assessment of your lawn, develop a customized treatment plan, and provide regular maintenance services to keep your lawn disease-free.

Lawn disease prevention tips for different grass types

Different types of grass have different susceptibility to lawn diseases. Knowing the specific disease risks associated with your type of grass can help you take preventive measures more effectively.

For warm-season grasses such as Bermuda grass, zoysia grass, or St. Augustine grass, it is important to avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, as it can promote the development of diseases like brown patch. These grasses also benefit from proper thatch management and regular aeration to maintain a healthy and disease-resistant lawn.

Conclusion

Maintaining a healthy and disease-free lawn requires a combination of proper maintenance practices, watering techniques, and lawn care strategies. By understanding the common lawn diseases and their causes, recognizing the signs and symptoms, and taking preventive measures, you can ensure the long-term health and beauty of your lawn. Whether you choose to tackle the task yourself or enlist the help of a professional lawn care service, the key is to be proactive and consistent in your lawn care efforts. Remember, a healthy lawn is not only a source of pride but also a welcoming space for you and your loved ones to enjoy.

Lobb-Alexis is here with top-of-class lawn care services for Louisiana homeowners. Call Us Today! (504) 471-0044

Disclaimer: Lobb-Alexis does not provide lawn maintenance services like mowing, raking and edging. We DO specialize in lawn care, which involves fertilization, disease treatment, and insect removal.