BROWN PATCH FUNGUS

Why does my lawn have brown patches?

Brown Patch Fungus usually occurs from November to May when daytime temperatures range between 75-85 F and nigh temps fall below 68 F. It is not normally scene in the summer months, although the pathogen is still present. Infection is triggered by rainfall, excessive irrigation, or extended periods of high humidity resulting in the leaves being continuously wet for 48 hours or more. Usually, this is the case with approaching cold fronts in the fall and winter. 

Is there a way to prevent it?

You may be wondering is there anyway to prevent it. Well, the answer is both ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ You can carefully watch how much water the turf gets this time of year, bearing in mind if it rains excessively, you will want to alter the watering schedule on your irrigation system, if you have one installed. Cutting too low with the lawnmower can stress the turf and make it more susceptible to all types of disease and insects, as well. Therefore, proper mowing heights is a must. Areas that are scalped by mower blades, expose the turf to fungus and disease. Also, shorter leaf height drastically reduces the photosynthesis process that it needs in order to grow. These same scalped areas are also more prone to weed seeds germinating since there isn’t enough healthy turf to crowd it out. Proper mowing is critical all year round.

If we have identified Brown Patch fungus in your lawn, it is important that you do not mow through it as this can spread it to other areas of the lawn. The disease may also be transferred by grass clippings from a commercial mowing company by mowing someone else’s yard who has it, thereby depositing that fungus in your yard. It’s hard to say for sure, but it’s one of the many ways, disease, insects and weeds get transferred.

Is This Permanent?

We understand how frustrating Brown Patch can be, but it’s important to remember that this is an environmental disease. This means that we can apply products to slow it down or reduce its spread, but we cannot control the weather nor the environment which encourages it from appearing in the first place. The good news is that no matter how unsightly Brown Patch fungus looks, it nearly always recovers and turf loss is uncommon. The grass may look dead, but in actuality it is not. It just may not grow out until the spring growing season.

Recap:

• In summer months you will water twice a week. In winter months (cooler temps) water once a week in the early morning hours is recommended where water is not sitting on lawn all night.

• Cut grass less often. Once ever three to four weeks. If you have a professional lawn service that comes and cuts your lawn make sure they are not cutting your lawn too short. This will create problems such as fungus, weeds, and other issues. Also, remember when using a professional lawn service your lawn is at risk from diseases, weeds, etc.. being transferred from one lawn to another. 

If you think you have Brown Patch Fungus or have any other issues please don’t hesitate to call GreenTec Pest Control at (727) 847-7633. We are here to help you resolve all your lawn and pest control needs.