Wacky weather in the summer may be common, but it’s not great for our lawns! Severe heat and drought stress damage our lawns are provide the perfect conditions for lawn diseases to invade. One common disease that you might see this summer is summer patch. So what is it and why is it harmful to your lawn?

What is it?

Summer patch is a fungal lawn disease that affects Kentucky bluegrass and other annual bluegrass. It is caused by Magnaporthe poae, which is active during the summer months.

Why is it a problem?

This disease attacks the roots and crowns of grass and prohibits root growth. When the roots don’t grow, the plant will die and dead patches will appear in your lawn.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms for summer patch typically won’t be noticeable until the mid-summer. Common symptoms include:

• circular patches that range from 6 inches to 3 feet in diameter

• off-colored grass in the patches that is usually brown or tan

• poor grass growth in affected areas

How can I fix it?

Unfortunately, this disease isn’t easy to get rid of immediately since you’re going to need to fix the soil and not just the grass. Some things that will help are core aerations, not mowing your lawn too short, and overseeding in dead areas. Applying nitrogen-rich fertilizer and irrigation will also help control this lawn disease.

If your lawn isn’t infected, then you should take precautionary measures to make sure that it stays healthy! Applying a fungicide to your lawn can help prevent summer patch and other lawn diseases.

For more info about this lawn disease, check out this fact sheet here.

Summer patch isn’t the only lawn disease that your lawn can get. Read about another common summer lawn disease in our previous article here.

Lawn diseases aren’t always easy to deal with on your own. If you need help identifying and treating any disease that your lawn might have, a professional lawn care company can help! Professionals lawn technicians are certified by the state and are trained to recognize lawn diseases. Our Hiring Guide can help you through the process of getting the right lawn care service for you. Download the FREE guide now!