Beating Brown Patch Disease in Your Lawn
Here at Emerald Green, we know a beautiful lawn is a source of pride. But keeping your grass lush and green can be a challenge, especially with common lawn diseases like brown patch.
What is Brown Patch Disease?
Brown patch is a fungal disease that thrives in warm, humid conditions. It appears as circular patches of brown, wilting grass, typically 6 inches to a few feet in diameter. If left untreated, these patches can grow larger and merge, leaving unsightly brown areas in your lawn.
Conditions that Promote Brown Patch:
- Warm, Humid Weather: Brown patch is most active during periods of hot weather (between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit) with frequent rain or heavy watering.
- Poor Drainage: Areas of your lawn with compacted soil or poor drainage will retain moisture and create ideal conditions for the fungus.
- Excessive Thatch: A thick layer of thatch creates a barrier that prevents water and nutrients from reaching the roots, stressing the grass, and making it more susceptible to disease.
Combating Brown Patch Disease:
The good news is that brown patch can be controlled with a combination of cultural practices and fungicide treatments. Here’s how to get started:
- Improve Air Circulation: Prune trees and shrubs to increase sunlight penetration and air movement throughout your lawn.
- Adjust Watering Practices: Water deeply and less frequently, preferably in the early morning, to allow the grass blades to dry completely throughout the day.
- Aerate and Dethatch: Aeration relieves soil compaction and dethatching removes the thatch layer, both of which improve drainage and air circulation in the soil.
- Maintain Proper Mowing Height: Taller grass shades the soil, helping it retain moisture. Mow your lawn at the recommended height for your grass type to promote good air circulation and healthy growth.
- Fertilize Properly: A balanced fertilizer with slow-release nitrogen will nourish your lawn without creating an environment conducive to fungal growth.
Preventing Brown Patch:
The best defense against brown patch is a healthy lawn. By following these tips, you can create a thriving lawn that is naturally resistant to disease:
- Choose the Right Grass Type: Select a grass variety that is well-suited to your climate and growing conditions.
- Maintain a Healthy Soil pH Level: Regularly test your lawn’s soil pH and add lime or sulfur as needed to create a slightly acidic environment (between 6.0 and 7.0 pH) that discourages fungal growth.
- Sharpen Your Mower Blades: Dull mower blades can tear grass, making it more susceptible to disease. Sharpen your mower blades regularly to ensure a clean cut.
- Treating Brown Patch with Fungicide: If you see signs of brown patch, fungicide application can help stop the spread of the disease and promote recovery.
Emerald Green Can Help
If you’re unsure whether your lawn has brown patch disease or need help developing a treatment plan, contact Emerald Green today. Our lawn care professionals can assess your lawn’s health, recommend the best course of action, and help you keep your lawn a beautiful emerald green all season long.




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