This past summer, we noticed some brown patches in the yard around our pool. Thinking that this meant the grass was dry, I watered it. Only to find out later, this was the last thing it needed. Turns out that the yard had been getting too much water. This combined with the high humidity had caused a fungus to grow. After taking a closer look, I could even see a moldy-looking film on the ground beneath the grass. This fungus was the cause of the brown patches of grass.
After some research, I learned what to do and was able to quickly get the issue under control. And I’m happy to report that the brown patch is gone and we’re left with a healthy green lawn.
In this article, I’m going to share what I learned so you’ll know what to do if brown patch starts to take over your yard.
What is brown patch and what causes it?
Brown patch is a type of fungal disease that affects grasses. It’s caused by a variety of different fungi, but the most common one is Rhizoctonia solani. This fungus loves warm, humid conditions and attacks the blades of grass, causing them to turn brown and die.
How do I know if I have it in my yard?
There are a few obvious signs that brown patch is present in your year. First, you’ll notice brown or yellow patches of grass that are about two to three feet in diameter. The affected area may also be surrounded by a dark green ring. If you pull back the brown grass, you may even see black or brown lesions on the blades.
What are the consequences?
If brown patch is left untreated, it can kill your entire lawn. Not only is this unsightly, but it can also be expensive to replace all the grass. It can also spread to other parts of your yard, such as flower beds or gardens.
How to get rid of brown patch in your yard
Unfortunately, this fungal infection is difficult to control once it’s established in your lawn. The best way to get rid of it is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are a few helpful tips:
- Mow your yard at the recommended height for your particular type of grass.
- Water early in the morning so the grass has time to dry out before nightfall.
- Use a fertilizer that’s designed for your type of grass.
- Avoid over-watering and excessive thatch buildup.
- If it does appear, treat it with a fungicide as soon as possible. Be sure to follow the directions on the label carefully, as over-application of fungicide can damage your lawn.
Hopefully, these tips will help you identify and treat the brown patch in your yard before it get out of hand!
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