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Identifying and Treating Brown Patch Disease in Your Lawn

Brown patch disease is a common fungal infection that affects lawns, particularly those composed of cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass. It is characterized by circular or irregularly shaped patches of brown or tan grass, ranging from a few inches to several feet in diameter.

Identification

When trying to identify brown patch disease, there are several key characteristics to look for:

• Patchy discoloration: Infected areas of the lawn will appear brown or tan, contrasting with the healthy green grass surrounding them.
• Distinct borders: The patches often have a well-defined edge, with healthy grass on one side and diseased grass on the other.
• Water-soaked appearance: In humid conditions, the affected grass may have a greasy or slimy appearance due to the presence of fungal spores.
• White or gray mycelium: Underneath the affected grass blades, you may notice a white or grayish web-like growth, which is the fungal mycelium.
• Grass blade lesions: Infected grass blades may develop irregular lesions or dark spots.

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Treatment

Once brown patch disease has been identified, it’s important to take prompt action to prevent further spread and minimize damage to your lawn. Here are some steps you can take to treat the disease:

Improve cultural practices: Proper lawn care practices can help prevent and control brown patch disease. Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture creates favorable conditions for fungal growth. Water deeply and infrequently, preferably in the early morning. Additionally, mow your lawn at the recommended height for your grass type and ensure good air circulation by pruning overhanging branches.

Fungicide application: If the disease persists despite cultural practices, applying a fungicide can help control the fungal infection. Choose a fungicide specifically labeled for brown patch disease and follow the instructions carefully.

Remove and dispose of infected grass: If the disease has severely affected certain areas of your lawn, it may be necessary to remove and dispose of the infected grass. This will prevent the spread of the disease to other areas.

Reseed or overseed: Once the disease is under control, you can reseed or overseed the affected areas to promote the growth of healthy grass and restore the appearance of your lawn.

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Remember, prevention is key when it comes to brown patch disease. By maintaining proper lawn care practices and promptly addressing any signs of infection, you can keep your lawn healthy and free from this troublesome fungal disease.

Keywords: disease, fungal, infected, healthy, affected, practices, infection, appearance, growth