Relationships are a tricky thing. It takes two to commit and make it through any bad patches that pop-up. However, if your lawn isn't doing its part, it's time to stage an intervention. Don't worry, we'll put on our best Dr. Phil voice and help you address the issue helping both of you through that "brown" patch in a jiffy. 

What is Brown Patch?

Brown patch is a fungus that affects bluegrass, ryegrass, bentgrass, and fescue during the summer months in Ohio. This fungus appears as brown, tan, or yellow circles in your lawn that can range from 5" to a couple feet in diameter. Upon closer look, your lawn's turf blades show tiny "lesions" on the surface. These lesions almost resemble tiny burn marks from matches. One of the more serious lawn fungi, this surface disease can spread quickly in the right conditions.

Why Did my Lawn Get it?

Hot and humid conditions tend promote fungus activities in lawns, however the main cause of lawn disease is a thin, stressed lawn, with poor drainage and oxygen circulation. Compacted soil helps lead to this, and that's why lawn care companies often recommend an aeration to help relieve compaction in the future. Additionally, watering during the late morning or afternoon can also lead to moist, humid conditions that can encourage fungus growth.   

How Can I Get Rid of it?

The best way to get rid of brown patch is a fungicide treatment set up by your local lawn service provider. A fungicide application can be used as a preventative or a curative. After a fungicide is completed, the growth of the disease is suppressed, however the circles WILL REMAIN until that area of damaged turf grows out. It's common to think that the fungicide hasn't worked, however during warm summer months, your lawn slows at a much slower pace.

How Can I Prevent it From Happening Again?

While using a fungicide as a preventative is an accepted method, here are three of the perfered methods for preventing fungus.

1. An Aeration - A fall aeration not only helps relieve compaction, but also thatch levels and reduces the amount of standing water in your lawn, allowing water to drain through your root system easier.
   
   
2. Proper Drainage - standing water and hot conditions are a perfect breeding ground for fungus and insect activity. Often a fungicide is only a temporary fix in these situations, and an aeration or proper drainage is needed to correct the problem.
   
   
3. A Well Fed Lawn - Okay, you may think we're blowing smoke on this one because we're a lawn care company; however a well fed, healthy lawn can help prevent brown patch and many other diseases.

Need More Lawn Relationship Advice? Our Lawn Disease Guide Walks You Through Every Problem You'll Encounter!

I'd like to say that Brown Patch is the only lawn disease that you'll see in your lawn, however that's just not true. That's why the lawn care experts at Weed Pro have put together the ultimate resource for identifying lawn disease and treating them. The best part of this guide is that it's yours absolutely free by clicking on the link below!