Brown Patch has been a significant nuisance this season, but what exactly is it, and what causes it?
What is Brown Patch?
Brown Patch is a fungal Lawn disease that occurs in times of high moisture levels (high humidity, lots of rain, overwatering lawns, etc.) Some trademark signs that your yard has Brown Patch are:
Tan, Brown-, or yellow-colored patches
Patches are circular in nature
Patches can be 4”- several Feet in diameter
Grass Blades have tan patches on them with a dark brown outline
How Can you avoid it?
Well, unfortunately, we can’t control the weather or humidity. Still, there is something you can do to help, and that is controlling the watering of your lawn. Here are some watering guidelines that we recommend:
The average lawn needs a minimum of 1” -1.5” of water per week, year-round.
You’ll want to water your lawn 2-3 times a week instead of daily.
You’ll want to water your lawn as early in the morning as you can. Watering in the afternoon risks evaporating, and your yard won’t get the water it needs.
Rule of Thumb: if you can’t push a 6” screwdriver into your lawn, it’s not getting enough water. We’re looking for soft but firm soil here.
When it’s hotter out, like in the summer, you might have to water your lawn a little more than usual. Just keep an eye on it and remember the screwdriver method if you’re not sure if you’ve been watering enough.
If you have automatic sprinklers, check them occasionally to ensure they cover all the areas you want to be watered and are working correctly!
What Happens if You Already Have Brown Patch?
If you already have Brown Patch on your lawn, treatment is needed. Because it is a fungus, Brown Patch needs to be treated with a fungicide. Also, because Brown Patch thrives under moist conditions, it is highly recommended that you turn off your water sprinklers for about one week to help dry out the present fungus. After approximately 1-2 weeks, it is recommended that you check on the spot that the fungus was located previously to see if another fungicide treatment is needed.