No matter how well you take care of your lawn, sometimes disease happens. Lawn disease can be a very complex and confusing thing. Identifying the issue affecting your lawn can be tricky. But knowing whether your lawn problems are a result of improper maintenance or a lawn disease is crucial to determining the cure. Here are some common lawn diseases, tips to help you identify them and how to eradicate them.
Brown Patch: Like the name says, this lawn disease presents as circular brown patches that can spread up to 20 ft. in diameter. This issue is common during wet weather and typically manifests from November through May, especially in hot, humid climates. Brown patch is caused as a result of the grass leaves wilting and dying. To control Brown Patch, Scott’s Lawn Service recommends using low to moderate levels of nitrogen-based fertilizers. To allow the lawn to dry quicker, reduce the amount of shade and increase air flow to the affected areas. Water deeply but NOT frequently and water early in the day.
Pythium: A root rot issue, Pythium is caused by wet soil and poor drainage. This disease presets as 1-3 inch circular areas that can have a gray appearance often covered with white fungus. Given that this disease is caused by poor drainage and wet condition, it can occur at any time of the year. Fungicides can be effective in controlling Pythium, however, the best course of action is to improve drainage to prevent Pythium.
Summer Patch: As its name suggests, this disease is most common during the summer months when temperatures rise and drought is present. Summer Patch can be difficult to diagnose as it acts similar to other diseases. It attacks the roots and crown and often has what is known as a “frog-eye” with a patch of healthy grass in the center of a brown ring of dead grass. The best treatment for summer patch is prevention. There are limited treatment options once it has presented with symptoms. However, fungicides can be used to prevent and control the disease. According to Turf Magazine, Strobilurins and DMI fungicides are the most effective and should be applied in late spring. If disease symptoms have appeared, fungicides are usually ineffective. Frequent irrigation can help the lawn recover.
Dog Spot:This disease is caused by the high levels of nitrogen in your dog’s urine. When your dog urinates on your grass, it causes yellowish dead spots. Obviously this is a year-round issue and happens with all grass species in all areas of the country. Fortunately, there are several ways to combat this lawn issue. Start from the inside out. Lower your dog’s nitrogen levels by keeping her well hydrated. Heavily water the area your dog uses right after she urinates to dilute the nitrogen levels in the grass. Or give your dog her own bathroom. Train your dog to use a specific spot in your yard and cover the area with gravel or mulch to prevent the dead spots and odor from urine and feces.
Keeping the area your dog uses as clean as possible will help protect your lawn. This not only keeps your lawn healthy, but also your family (including your furry family members). But how hard is it to get someone in your house to do that job? Why not call in the experts to do it for you. Arrowhead Pooper Scoopers Dog Waste Clean-up Service makes life easier for dog owners, with complete cleanup and removal of all dog poop from yards, kennels and dog runs, because you have better things to do with your time! Starting at just $10 a week! We serve most of the Phoenix west valley, including Glendale, Peoria, Sun City, Sun City West and Surprise, plus parts of west Phoenix.
Call us at 602-391-0160 or visit our website or Facebook page for more information.
