Do you find that your otherwise lush green lawn suddenly has dry circular spots with yellow or brown edges? This could be a symptom of brown patch, a lawn disease that shows a deeper problem than a lack of water. While it can be unsettling to have trouble spots on your turf, the great news is that it can be treated with routine care or by a professional lawn care team. Follow along to understand how to identify and treat this common lawn condition in North Texas.
Getting to the Root of Brown Patch Disease on Your Lawn
Brown patch disease is a frustrating problem for homeowners in our area. Sometimes it can persist even when people do everything they can to fix the problem. We find that when brown patches don’t go away, it’s usually because the reason the grass is dying hasn’t been addressed.
The truth is that many different factors can cause dying lawn patches, and pinning down which one is destroying your grass is difficult. The clumps of dying grass in your lawn may be caused by a fungal disease known appropriately as brown patch. The Rhizoctonia fungus is the particular culprit behind this issue, and it can settle in with surprising speed. Some homeowners feel like it virtually destroys their lawn overnight.
When Is Brown Patch Most Likely to Affect Your Lawn?
Brown patch most often takes hold in the fall or early summer, but it can affect your lawn as soon as temperatures regularly hit 65 degrees. When temperatures soar to 80–85 degrees and humidity is high, brown patch can spread like crazy and become impossible to ignore.
Though brown patch seems to appear overnight, it has probably been present for a long time. After all, it’s one of the most common lawn diseases affecting North Texas turf. The Rhizoctonia fungus likely spent the winter dormant in thatch. Then when temperatures rise and the lawn is first mowed, the fungus comes out of hibernation and makes its way into your grass blades.
When homeowners first notice the problem, it appears as a brown circle that is bordered by a darker ring. This outer boundary (called a smoke ring) is usually more noticeable when there is dew on the grass early in the morning. And because brown patch tends to manifest in circular patterns it can spread with alarming speed. Additionally, it’s not unusual to see several patches appear almost simultaneously. This shows that the spots can grow and connect, forming large areas of dying lawn.
It isn’t always easy for homeowners to diagnose brown patch themselves, let alone deal with it successfully. Contact Green Top Lawn Care to learn more about brown patch and how to treat it. We’ll recommend the right lawn maintenance schedule to correct this problem and prevent similar issues from arising. From using proper mowing techniques to the perfect balance of fertilizer, we have the solution for brown patch.
Common Questions About Brown Patch Disease
Most homeowners want to quickly address any issues causing odd patches or irregular growth patterns to appear on their lawns. That said, before getting started it’s absolutely important to know exactly which condition is affecting the lawn. This is the only way to take the right steps to bring your lawn back to full, thriving life. These are some of the most common questions we receive about identifying and treating brown patch disease.
What are the common signs of brown patch disease in my lawn?
The most noticeable signs of brown patch disease are circular or irregularly shaped patches of dead or dying grass that are brown in color. The edges of these patches may have a reddish-brown color, and a thin gray ring of mycelium (fungal growth) can often be seen at the outer edge of the patch.
How can I prevent brown patch disease from affecting my lawn?
To prevent brown patch disease, maintain lawn care practices such as regular mowing, proper watering and adequate fertilization. Avoid overwatering, ensure good drainage, and refrain from using excessive nitrogen fertilizer. These measures will help create an unfavorable environment for the fungus that will keep it from thriving.
What should I do if I suspect my lawn has brown patch disease?
If you suspect your lawn has brown patch disease, it’s important to act quickly. Fungicides can be effective in controlling the disease. Also, keep an eye on your lawn—early detection followed by quick treatment will always help prevent further damage to your lawn. Contact lawn care professionals like Green Top Lawn Care to help you correctly identify and treat brown patch disease before it spreads and causes extensive damage to your lawn.
Eliminate Brown Patch & Give Your Lawn the Care It Deserves
Don’t let brown patch disease ruin your beautiful lawn! Green Top Lawn Care, a locally owned and operated business, is here to provide expert lawn disease treatment services and personalized care to help you maintain a lush, vibrant lawn. Call us at (817) 684-4044 for a free lawn care quote, or request a quote online to safeguard your lawn against brown patch disease.
