How to Identify and Treat Brown Patch Disease in North Texas
Brown patch disease is a common lawn issue in North Texas, particularly during periods of warm, humid weather, often in late spring or early fall. If you’re currently seeing signs of disease in your turf, our lawn disease treatment services are designed to stop the damage and restore your lawn’s health quickly and safely.
This fungal disease can cause unsightly patches of dead or dying grass, often leading to frustration when the rest of your lawn is thriving. Knowing how to spot brown patch early, taking proper action to control it, and knowing when to call in the pros can make all the difference in keeping your lawn healthy and green.
What Is Brown Patch Disease?
Brown patch is caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani, and typically affects cool-season grasses like tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass. However, in North Texas, warm-season grasses such as St. Augustine can also be impacted under the right conditions.
This disease thrives in warm, moist environments, especially when humidity is high and nighttime temperatures stay above 70°F. Plus, overwatering, high humidity and excess nitrogen fertilizer can all contribute to the problem. Once conditions are right, brown patch can spread quickly and leave behind a trail of damage if not addressed promptly.
How to Identify Brown Patch in Your Lawn
Brown patch is a common Texas lawn disease that often appears as circular or irregular patches of discolored grass. Patches can range from a few inches to several feet in diameter. These spots typically start off as a dull green or tan and gradually turn brown. In the early morning you might notice a grayish or purplish “smoke ring” around the edges of the patch – a classic sign of active fungal growth. The grass within the affected area often looks thin and sunken compared with the surrounding healthy turf, and the blades may appear wilted or matted. If you take a closer look, you might see tan lesions with dark brown borders on individual grass blades. These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for drought stress or insect damage, so proper identification is key. And if you’re not sure, it’s best to consult a lawn care professional to confirm the diagnosis and recommend the right treatment.
Brown Patch Lawn Disease Control
Controlling brown patch requires a combination of yard care practices and in some cases, fungicide treatments as well. Here’s how to manage the disease.
1. Water Wisely
Only water early in the morning to allow time for grass to dry. Avoid evening watering, as this can create the ideal conditions for fungal growth.
2. Mow at the Right Height
Keep your mower blades sharp, and avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height at a time. Taller grass can help shade soil and reduce stress.
3. Reduce Thatch and Improve Drainage
Aerating your lawn can help break up compacted soil and reduce thatch buildup – this improves air circulation and drainage.
4. Apply Fungicides if Necessary
In cases of severe or recurring brown patch, fungicide treatments may be required. Timing is important here – preventative applications are most effective when conditions are favorable for the disease to develop. Repeat applications may be required.
5. Use Balanced Fertilizer
Avoid heavy applications of nitrogen fertilizer in the summer. Follow a slow-release or balanced fertilizer schedule, it’s safer and more effective in managing turf health.
Why You Should Trust Lawn Care Experts
Brown patch disease can spread quickly and cause significant damage if left untreated. While DIY methods can help, effective long-term control often requires expert care.
At Green Top Lawn Care, our lawn care professionals are trained to identify lawn diseases accurately, apply targeted treatments, and implement proven prevention strategies. We’ll develop a customized lawn care plan based on your specific grass type, local conditions and overall lawn health goals.
Our proactive approach in dealing with brown patch disease not only treats the visible symptoms, it also addresses the root causes to ensure your lawn stays green, thick and healthy all season long.
Get a Healthier North Texas Lawn Today
If you suspect that brown patch is affecting your lawn, don’t wait until the damage spreads. Contact Green Top Lawn Care today for a free lawn evaluation, and let our local lawn care experts restore your turf to its best condition. Call (817) 684-4044 or request a free lawn disease control quote today.
