Controlling Brown Patch Disease

Brown patch disease is a very common problem for property owners across the country and right here in the Triangle area. North Carolina experiences a lot of it because of our hot, humid summers. When temperatures rise, the fungus Rhizoctonia solani finds fertile ground for growth. The disease begins to develop when night temperatures exceed 60°F, but is most severe when low and high temperatures are above 70°F and 90°F, respectively.

The fungus is especially aggressive when the air is humid or if the lawn is damp at night. The brown fungus can infect turfgrass that has been continuously wet for 10 to 12 hours. Poor soil drainage, lack of air movement, shade, cloudy weather, dew, over-watering, and watering in the late afternoon can increase the likelihood of the disease affecting the area.

You may be able to catch and treat the growth of brown patch disease early if you see brown spotting on grass blades. When these spots connect to turn entire blades brown, and then entire patches of grass brown, it’s likely caused by this fungus. There will also be a darker edge to the brown patch that surrounds the dead and brown grass. If you have concerns about brown patch disease and live in Apex, Cary, Garner, Clayton, Fuquay-Varina, Holly Springs, Johnston County, Wake County, Wake Forest or the surrounding areas, give Barefoot Lawn Care a call.

LAWN TIP: DO NOT water at night or late evening! Leaving the lawn damp at night will encourage fungal growth.