How To Get Rid of Brown Patch Fungus on Your Lawn

A vibrant green lawn is what everyone desires year around. However, the presence of brown spots can ruin the beauty of your landscape and become an ongoing source of frustration for homeowners. However, you can fight back against turf diseases and restore the healthy, green lawn you deserve.

What Does Brown Patch Look Like?

One common turf disease that causes brown patches is Rhizoctonia Blight, also known as Brown Patch. This fungus loves it when your lawn stays wet for at least 48 hours, which is why it really thrives during the later part of summer. That's when it starts causing damage, and you can see the effects of it in the fall. The symptoms of Brown Patch are circular brown patches on the lawn, ranging from small to large sizes. In the morning dew, you may notice cobweb-like fungus called mycelium on the grass blades. Severe cases can even lead to discoloration and death of the affected grass.

Common Causes of Brown Patch

• One major culprit is lawn disease, caused by fungi living in the thatch and soil. High moisture, humidity, and mowing the wet lawn can trigger these diseases. Luckily, the disease will fade away on their own with improved environmental conditions, but sometimes, fungicide application may be necessary.
• Shade can also contribute to brown spots in your lawn. Grass plants need four to six hours of full sunlight each day to thrive. In areas with little to no sunlight, the grass thins out and loses its green color. Pruning can help allow filtered light to reach these areas and make a noticeable difference in their health.
• Insect damage is another factor to consider. Destructive insects like chinchbugs can wreak havoc on your turf, leading to rapid discoloration. If watering the grass doesn't show any improvement, it's best to seek professional assistance for a proper diagnosis and potential treatment.

Preventing Brown Patches in Your Lawn

Maintaining a beautiful, lush lawn is the dream of every homeowner. However, pesky problems like brown patch can quickly turn this dream into a nightmare. Brown patch is a fungal disease that can wreak havoc on your precious green carpet, leaving unsightly brown patches in its wake. But fear not! There are simple steps you can take to prevent brown patch from infiltrating your lawn and maintaining its health and beauty.

Avoid High Amounts of Nitrogen Fertilizer

Grass that has been over-stimulated with nitrogen fertilizer before or during hot, humid weather is more susceptible to brown patch. So, be mindful of the amount of nitrogen fertilizer you apply to your lawn to keep it healthy and resistant to this disease.

Ensure Good Drainage and Air Flow

Prolonged wetness from dew, rain, nighttime or evening watering, or poor drainage creates ideal conditions for brown patch. Make sure your lawn has good drainage and airflow by considering pruning overgrown trees to prevent excessive shade. This will increase air movement, promote faster drying, and prevent the development of brown patch.

Reduce Watering

Brown patch thrives in warm, wet lawns. To prevent its development, reduce your watering routine. Remember, a little moderation goes a long way in maintaining the health of your lawn.

Aerate Your Lawn

Allowing air, water, and nutrients to move more freely into the soil is essential for a healthier lawn. Aerate and dethatch the lawn every 1 to 3 years to promote proper circulation and prevent fungal diseases like brown patch.

Monitor the Weather Forecast and Take Action Promptly

Keeping an eye on the weather forecast can give you a heads up on conditions that are conducive to brown patch development. Be on the lookout for temperatures above 80 degrees F during the day and 65 degrees F at night. If you notice any signs of brown patch, take immediate action to treat your lawn.

How to Fix Brown Patches in Your Yard

If Brown Patch has already made its way into your lawn, there are a few techniques you can try. Hold off on watering the affected areas until the soil dries, and then switch to a deep, infrequent watering schedule instead of frequent short periods. Make sure to water in the mornings to allow enough time for the grass and soil to dry before the sun gets intense.

By following these prevention and control tips, you'll be able to conquer Brown Patch and enjoy a lush, green lawn. Remember, a healthy lawn is well within your grasp!

Get Rid of Brown Patch for Good

If your yard is already affected with a lawn disease, it can be difficult to solve the problem on your own. Luckily, our crew is expertly trained to help your yard thrive! Call us at 412-384-4111 to speak with our crew today!