Lawn Fungus Identification

Our great team at All Turf Lawn Care hopes that you and your family are enjoying the summer so far! Temperatures have been very high lately with high humidity, but luckily several areas of Georgia have also had rain to keep moisture in the soil. While turfgrass is always susceptible to lawn disease, it is especially true in cases of extreme weather (heat, drought, too much rain, storms, etc.). Some lawn diseases that can crop up during these times of extreme weather include Summer Patch, Brown Patch, and Necrotic Ring Spot. All three of these create ring shapes or circular patterns in the grass, making them easy to spot.

Summer Patch Fungus

Summer Patch is a fungus that can spread in your turf around mid-summer (June or July) if your turf’s soil is dry from drought, in high heat, and in high humidity. Crescent patches of your grass will turn from light green to reddish-brown, and finally to a light tan. This fungus can destroy your lawn by rotting the roots of your grass.

Brown Patch Fungus

Brown Patch needs high humidity and hot temperatures in summer (that stay hot even at night), but unlike summer patch, it also needs very wet weather. This lawn disease creates irregular, circular spots in your yard that can be several feet wide. These patches turn from purplish-green to brown, appear to sink down in the ground.

Necrotic Ring Spot (a.k.a Frog-Eye Disease)

Although necrotic ring spots are primarily more active in spring and fall, it is worth mentioning for summer as well, due to its tendency to follow water stress. This lawn disease prefers very dry weather followed up by very wet weather; it also prefers young lawns, aged 2-8 years old. Spot this disease by looking for rings of dead turf (brown or straw-colored) with healthy green centers (2-6 inches wide).

Lawn Fungus Prevention

Call a lawn care company near you for immediate assistance if you notice any of these lawn diseases in your yard. While it is possible to save your lawn, prevention is always a safer bet to keep your turf healthy. The following lawn services can help:

• Deep, infrequent watering in the early morning.
• Mowing frequently, at a high height, and with a sharp mower blade.
• All Turf’s lawn fertilization program.
• Regular core aeration.
• Overseeding with disease-resistant grasses.

Questions or concerns? Please contact us today and we’d be happy to help with your Atlanta lawn!