Treating Brown Patch Texas Lawns

Treating Brown Patch on Texas Lawns

So you finally thought you had your lawn in tip top shape and all of a sudden your grass gets covered in large brown patches, and you just don’t know what to do. But here’s the thing – you are not alone. Your lawn can be revived! Find out what you need to do to get your green lawn back, and how can this be prevented from happening again.

Brown Patch Symptoms

Brown patch symptoms may vary greatly with the type of grass and soil conditions. Lawn grass affected by brown patch will generally exhibit circular or irregular patches of light brown, thinned grass. Symptoms on warm-season grasses like Bermuda grass include circular to irregular patches of blighted turf. Patches up to several yards in diameter commonly develop in the fall, winter, and spring.

Prevention and Treatment

The best way to prevent brown patch in every lawn is by following good lawn care practices. This is much easier and less expensive than the use of fungicides, and can be very effective.

Irrigation

Watering the lawn should not be done just before sunset or just after sunrise. This will aid development of brown patch. Instead, water your lawn early in the morning, preferably at sunrise to avoid increases in disease-friendly moisture. This will give the grass blades time to dry before nightfall, and will not leave the lawn damp at night.

Nitrogen-rich fertilizer

Experts generally advise to avoid using nitrogen rich fertilizer in early spring and late fall. Doing so will discourage development of brown patch. Nitrogen fertilizer does not cause brown patch; rather, nitrogen worsens the disease.

Lawn Mowing

Mow your lawn grass to a height of 2.5 to 3.5 inches. Grass that is shorter or taller than that can help breed brown patch. You will need to cut the grass more frequently if you want it cut shorter. Keep clippings from clumping up and creating too much thatch because thatch can also lead to excess moisture.

Good Drainage

Drainage can be a problem, so go out there and improve the drainage. Compacted soil provides poor drainage, and that leads to a lawn with too much surface moisture. Aerate your lawn at least once a year to avoid this problem, and to maintain a good PH in your lawn.

Apply Fungicide

Applying a fungicide in late May can be effective in fighting off brown patch. There are many fungicides to choose from, as well as the type of application that works best for your lawn. The one you chose will be largely dependent on what is available in your area.

Remember to follow the instructions on the packaging of the fungicide you decide on because some fungicides will need to be applied once or twice a month. Begin using fungicide at the first signs of brown patch fungus for best results.

Professional Lawn Care in Texas

A well-cared lawn is the best defense against unwanted brown patches. Just Right Lawns provide customize lawn care throughout the Texas area and can help you keep your lawn looking its best year-round!