Three Steps for Addressing Brown Patches Caused by Pests and Diseases

• Determine whether brown patches are caused by pests like grubs or fungal diseases such as brown patch disease or dollar spot.
• Use pest control methods like beneficial nematodes for grubs and organic insecticides for chinch bugs. Treat fungal diseases with environmentally safe fungicides or natural remedies.
• Maintain healthy soil through regular aeration, practice proper watering techniques, and follow good mowing practices to prevent lawn stress.
• Embrace common best practices such as using organic fertilizers and implementing balanced fertilization schedules to support a healthy and resilient lawn.

Dealing with brown patches on your lawn can be quite frustrating, especially when you've invested time and effort into maintaining a lush, green yard. But what causes brown patches in your lawn? So many pests and diseases can cause unsightly patches, so identifying the root cause is essential for effective treatment and prevention. Let's explore some solutions for those brown patches.

Diagnose Lawn Brown Patches

The first step in addressing brown patches is to determine what's causing them. There are several common culprits:

1. Grubs and Insects: Grubs are the larvae of various beetles and can cause significant damage to grass roots, leading to brown patches. Grub damage typically occurs from mid-August through October. To check for grubs, dig up a small section of the affected area. If you find more than five grubs per square foot, they're likely the problem. Other insects, such as chinch bugs or sod webworms, can also cause similar damage.
2. Brown Patch Disease: This fungal disease typically appears as circular patches of brown grass, which may have a slightly sunken appearance. The edges of the patches can be irregular or defined by a smoke ring. Brown patch disease thrives in warm, humid conditions and is most prevalent in late spring to early fall.
3. Dollar Spot Disease: Another fungal issue, dollar spot appears as small, round, straw-colored patches that are about the size of a silver dollar up to the size of a baseball. These spots can merge to form larger brown areas.

Effective Treatments for Brown Patches

Once you've identified the cause, you can take appropriate steps to treat the issue. Here are some effective methods for both pests and diseases:

Grub and Insect Detection and Control

• Grub Control: For severe infestations, consider using beneficial nematodes — microscopic worms that prey on grubs. This is considered to be a more natural approach. Additionally, maintaining healthy soil with proper watering and fertilization can help keep grub populations in check.
• Insect Control: Organic insecticides, such as neem oil or insecticidal soaps, can be effective against chinch bugs and sod webworms. For a more comprehensive approach, introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and predatory beetles to your lawn, which can help control pest populations naturally.

Managing Brown Patch Disease in Your Lawn

• Brown Patch Disease: Fungicides can help manage brown patch disease, but it's essential to choose environmentally conscious products. Look for fungicides containing active ingredients like chlorothalonil or propiconazole. For an organic approach, use compost tea or a mixture of baking soda and water as a preventive measure.
• Dollar Spot Disease: Like brown patch disease, fungicides can be used to treat dollar spot. Make sure your lawn is properly fertilized, as nitrogen-deficient grass is more susceptible to this disease. Regular aeration can also help improve soil health and reduce disease incidence.

Preventing Lawn Diseases with Proper Care

Prevention is always better than cure, and there are several steps you can take to minimize the risk of brown patches caused by pests and diseases:

1. Maintain Healthy Soil: Regularly aerate your lawn to improve soil structure and promote root growth. Incorporate organic matter, such as compost, to enhance soil fertility and microbial activity.
2. Proper Watering: To encourage deep root growth, water your lawn thoroughly but less often. It's best to avoid watering in the late afternoon or evening, as this can leave moisture on the grass blades for too long and promote fungal growth.
3. Mowing Practices: Keep your mower blades sharp and avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height at a time. Taller grass can shade out weed seeds and improve drought resistance, reducing stress on the lawn.
4. Fertilization: Use organic or slow-release fertilizers to provide your grass with consistent nutrients. Follow a balanced fertilization schedule to keep your lawn healthy and resilient against pests and diseases.

Brown patches on your lawn don't have to be a permanent eyesore. By identifying what causes brown patches in your lawn, you can implement brown patch grass repair and restore your lawn to its vibrant, green state.

If you're dealing with persistent issues or need professional assistance, don't hesitate to contact Spring Green. Our lawn care pros can provide you with the best strategies for brown patch grass repair.