FAQs - Lawn Diseases
Lawn Diseases
Brown patches in your lawn can be caused by various factors, ranging from environmental stressors, cultural practices, to pest and disease infestations.
One common cause of brown patches is overwatering or poor drainage. Both of which can lead to waterlogged soil and root suffocation, resulting in brown, water-soaked areas. On the contrary, underwatering can also cause brown patches, as grass becomes stressed and goes dormant to conserve moisture.
Soil compaction, heavy foot traffic, or excessive thatch buildup can restrict root growth and nutrient uptake leading to brown, thinning areas.
Fungal diseases such as Brown Patch or Dollar Spot cause circular brown patches to appear on the lawn’s surface, usually during hot and humid weather.
Pest infestations including Lawn Grubs also damage grass roots and cause brown patches to develop.
Identifying the underlying cause of brown patches is essential for implementing targeted solutions and restoring the health and vitality of your lawn.
Explore our resources on lawn pest identification, disease management, and turf care practices to effectively control turf diseases affecting your lawn via the links below:
LawnPride Pest Identification Page
LawnPride Blog – Lawn Grubs Soapy Water Test
LawnPride Blog – Guide to Pest and Disease Management in your lawn
LawnPride Blog – Disease Pressures
Preventing lawn diseases requires a combination of proactive measures aimed at promoting turf health and minimising favourable conditions for fungal pathogens (diseases).
1. Maintain proper lawn care practices.
o Mow at the appropriate height,
o Water your lawn deeply, and avoid repetitive morning sessions,
o Reduce excessive nitrogen fertilisation which encourages disease development.
2. Improve soil drainage and reduce compaction.
o Aerate the lawn regularly to create an environment less conducive to fungal growth.
3. Avoid watering the lawn in the evening or at night - prolonged moisture on the grass blades can promote disease.
4. Practice good sanitation by promptly removing grass clippings, fallen leaves, and other organic debris from the lawn to reduce fungal spore populations.
5. Select a disease-resistant grass variety if you are located within an area that is prone to favourable disease conditions (i.e. prolonged hot and humid weather).
6. Rotate fungicides with different modes of action to assist with prevention of the development of resistant fungal strains.
By implementing these preventive measures, you can minimise the risk of lawn diseases and maintain a healthy, resilient turf.
For more information and to explore our available product range, click on the links below:
The best way to treat a lawn disease depends on the severity and type of the disease present.
Start by accurately identifying the disease by examining the visible symptoms and consult with a turfgrass expert. LawnPride has an online Problem Solver, that you can utilise to assist with disease identification in your lawn variety and state.
Once the disease has been identified, select an appropriate fungicide that targets the specific fungal pathogen causing the issue. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully regarding application rates, application timing periods, and any safety precautions.
Consider applying fungicides preventively in areas prone to disease outbreaks when weather conditions are favourable, or as soon as symptoms appear to control the further spread of the disease.
Implementing cultural practices such as improving drainage, reducing thatch buildup, and avoiding overwatering assist in preventing fungal growth.
Aeration can also help improve air circulation and soil oxygen levels which aids in turf recovery.
It is always best to monitor the lawn closely for signs of disease recurrence during prolonged hot and humid weather and adjusting treatment strategies as needed. By combining fungicide applications with cultural practices, you can effectively treat lawn diseases and restore the health and vitality of your turf.
For more information and to explore our available product range, click on the links below: