What Are Those Unsightly Brown Patches In My Grass?
We’ve been getting a LOT of calls this week wondering about lawn spots browning or areas that look like they have been damaged. We put together this Brown Patch Lawn Fungus Fact Sheet (printable .pdf file or you can read it below) on Brown Patch to help answer these questions. We’re more than happy to make an application to eliminate the spread or deterioration of these areas. As always, please give us a call with any questions, special requests, or to get your remedial application scheduled.
There is (lawn) fungus among us!
During long periods of hot, wet and humid conditions, brown patch can develop rapidly. Large blighted areas can occur within 24-48 hours. Turf grass usually will recover from light attacks in 2-3 weeks with cooler temperatures and/or dry conditions. Symptoms of brown patch vary greatly, however in high cut turf grass, affected areas appear as large circles or a general thinning of the turf. The affected areas of thinned grass are often irregularly shaped.
Brown patch can cause serious damage to tall fescue and perennial rye grass lawns, but because brown patch does not affect crowns and roots, damaged turf areas should recover upon the return of more favorable weather; Especially if the turf has not been damaged by traffic and/or other stresses.
Avoiding wet soil is the most important practice to reduce disease pressure – Over-irrigating lawns is a common cause for this disease. Excessive water should be properly drained and if possible reduced irrigation should be limited to the early morning. It is also important to maintain a consistent mowing schedule to increase light and air circulation.
Fungicides are available to stop brown patch in its tracks. Fungicides will not improve the visible appearance, but will act as a band aid and stop the disease from spreading till favorable weather conditions return. If environmental conditions do not improve, fungicides must be applied every 14-21 days till conditions improve.
If you think your lawn has the brown patch fungus, please give us a call at our North or South phone numbers: 937-667-8873 or 513-330-8873 and The Organic Turf Company will be happy to help.
