Brown Patch–a fungal disease that attacks grass–thrives in the fall when the weather is cooling off.
It’s caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia and leaves large circular brown patches on millions of lawns each year. If you are a homeowner, chances are you’ve seen this happen to your lawn at least once.
Want to know all about brown patch disease?
Here are 7 tips for getting rid of brown patches in your lawn!
Updated: How Do I Get Rid of Brown Patches in My Lawn?
1. Water on schedule
Watering your lawn too often increases your lawn’s risk of developing brown patch, which occurs when the surface is wet but the soil is dry. Aim for a routine of once every 3-4 days, and water deeply–approximately 1/2 inch per session.
The best time of day to water your lawn is early in the morning before the sun shines too strongly, and the moisture becomes trapped at the surface during the hottest part of the day.
If you can, try and water your lawn between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Even though it may seem appealing to do it after work during the weekdays, avoid watering at night when the grass won’t have enough time to fully cool until the early dawn.
2. Mow high
It can be tempting to mow your lawn short in the summer because it grows so fast. However, if your grass grows too high, the sun can’t penetrate the surface and move heat and moisture away.
As a result, brown patch can thrive. To combat this, keep the setting on your mower higher about 1/2 inch higher than normal during the summer months.
3. Reduce heavy thatch
Did you know that a lawn with too thick of a layer of thatch breeds brown patch? Not only does it provide a home for the fungi, but it also stops the soil from absorbing water and delivering it to the roots.
To reduce thatch, try aerating your lawn in the late summer or early fall. The aeration process involves removing thousands of small soil plugs so the soil can absorb water. This will help your lawn get the steady supply of oxygen, nutrients, and water it needs to look its best!
4. Fertilize properly
It’s important to use the right blend of fertilizer when treating your lawn. Because fungus responds to nitrogen just like your grass does, too much of it can make brown patch stronger than your turf.
Don’t use more than recommended, and if you need help determining the appropriate combination for your area, contact a lawn care professional in Dallas.
5. Ensure proper drainage
Compacted soil leads to poor drainage in your lawn, and is a common problem all homeowners face when trying to maintain a healthy lawn.
Check for compacted soil by pressing a screwdriver into your grass; if the blade does not move easily into the soil, the soil is compacted. This means the water and nutrients your lawn requires are not penetrating the soil into the root of the grass, leaving you with excess surface moisture on your lawn. Heavily trafficked areas of your lawn are most susceptible to compaction, and consequently the buildup of excess surface moisture.
To avoid soil compaction, we recommend that you aerate your lawn twice a year, once in the spring, and again in the fall.
6. Apply a fungicide
For fast acting results, consider the use of a fungicide on the affected areas of your lawn. The use of the products will be most effective at the earliest signs of brown patch fungus, and can yield more immediate results if applied properly.
Which fungicide you choose will be largely dependant on what is available to you in your area, and what type of application will work best for you as a homeowner. Most fungicides require a twice a month application, but be sure to check the packaging and instructions before use to ensure proper and effective application.
7. Maintain a healthy lawn
The healthier your lawn is to begin with, the easier it will be to prevent brown patches. Take care of your grass by giving it the nutrients and protection it needs to flourish year-round; this includes consistent watering, mowing, fertilizing, and weed control.
If you’re busy with a job, a family, and a house to take care of, it may be in your best interest to hire a professional local lawn care company to take care of it for you throughout the entire year.
Professional services to save you time
With so many tasks requiring your attention every day, giving your lawn the special care it needs can be a challenge in every season. Because we know how busy you are, we offer professional lawn care in Dallas that take care of everything, including the control of diseases like brown patch on your lawn.
Don’t let the hot Texas climate damage your lawn, when the professionals at Gecko Green can keep your grass healthy and vibrant with our year-round services!
If you want a lush green lawn you can take pride in all year, learn more about our year-round lawn program today!
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