Fungi, bacteria, pests. Are these blights robbing you of your beautiful yard? Not on our watch.
If you’ve noticed yellow patches creeping into your grass, or large brown circles that weren’t there last week, your Brevard County lawn might be falling victim to yard diseases.
Here in Brevard County, including areas like Merritt Island, Rockledge, and Cocoa Beach, our warm, humid climate creates the perfect breeding ground for fungal diseases like large patch and dollar spot.
Luckily, Orange Pest Control is here to help you understand and combat these issues with effective lawn disease control strategies.
Identifying Common Lawn Diseases
Identifying the specific lawn disease plaguing your green space is the first step towards recovery. Lawn diseases manifest in various forms, each with unique symptoms and causes.
Here’s a breakdown of common lawn diseases to help you diagnose and tackle lawn problems effectively:
- Brown Patch & Dollar Spot: Look for circular patches of discolored grass; brown patch thrives in warm, humid conditions, while dollar spot prefers cooler climates.
- Gray Leaf Spot & Leaf Blight: These cause small, irregular patches that grow, with grass blades showing bleached spots or elongated lesions.
- Pythium & Red Thread: Identified by circles of withering grass or red, bleached-looking patches with reddish threads binding the blades.
- Fairy Ring & Slime Mold: Characterized by dark green circular bands or a slimy layer on leaf blades, respectively.
- Necrotic Ring Spot & Powdery Mildew: Look for circular patches of dead grass with a healthy center or a white, powdery coating on leaves.
- Large Patch: Caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani, this disease is most active when temperatures dip below 80°F, usually from November to May.
- Root Rot & Pink Snow Mold: Indicated by root damage and dead grass. Environmental stressors like drought and salt can also exacerbate these conditions.
Signs Your Lawn Has a Disease
Not sure if your lawn is sick? Here’s what to look for:
- Yellow or brown patches that grow over time.
- Dark, moist edges around the affected areas.
- Grass blades that pull off easily from their stems and smell like rot.
- Thin, unhealthy grass that doesn’t recover with watering or fertilization.
If you spot any of these issues, it’s time to act quickly. Untreated fungal diseases can spread and cause long-term damage to your yard.
Preventative Lawn Disease Control Tips
Preventing lawn diseases requires a proactive approach. Here are effective strategies to keep your lawn thriving and disease-free:
1. Choose the Right Turfgrass
Certain grass types are more resistant to diseases than others. For example, St. Augustinegrass and zoysiagrass are common in Brevard County but are also more vulnerable to fungal infections like large patch.
Selecting a grass type suited to Florida’s conditions and your yard’s specific needs can reduce disease risks.
2. Follow Good Aeration and Mowing Practices
Sharp, clean mower blades and the right mowing height can make a huge difference in preventing the spread of yard diseases, as can good aeration:
- Regularly aerate your lawn to enhance air circulation, reducing conditions favorable to fungi.
- Cut no more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.
- Mow at the correct height specific to your grass type; for most grasses, a high setting (3-4 inches) is ideal, while Bermudagrass prefers a lower setting (1.5 to 2 inches).
- Avoid mowing wet grass, as this can spread fungal spores.
- If your lawn is already infected, mow the diseased areas last and clean your equipment afterward.
3. Adjust Your Watering and Fertilization Schedule
Overwatering is one of the biggest culprits in spreading fungal diseases:
- Water only when your grass shows signs of needing it (e.g., curling leaf blades).
- Run sprinklers in the early morning to reduce the amount of time your lawn stays wet.
- Avoid watering in the late evening, as this can prolong damp conditions and promote fungal growth.
- Adopt a well-balanced fertilization program using products like Scotts® Turf Builder® Lawn Foods to promote strong, healthy grass. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can exacerbate fungal infections.
Take Control of Your Lawn Disease Control Today
Don’t let lawn diseases like large patch ruin your beautiful yard. From Satellite Beach to Titusville, our team at Orange Pest Control has the expertise and tools to keep your lawn healthy and vibrant.
Contact us today to schedule your lawn inspection and treatment plan.
Did You Know?
In Florida, most turfgrass diseases are active only a few months each year and are highly dependent on environmental stress. Cooler, damp weather in the fall creates the perfect storm for large patch to wreak havoc. By addressing early signs and adjusting your lawn care practices, you can prevent long-term damage and enjoy a stunning lawn year-round.
FAQ
How can I tell if my lawn disease is caused by fungi and not poor maintenance?
Look for signs like circular yellow or brown patches, dark edges around the affected areas, and grass blades that pull off easily from their stems. If you’re unsure, contact Orange Pest Control for a professional diagnosis.
Does lawn disease go away on its own?
Unfortunately, no. Without treatment, fungal diseases will continue to spread and can cause permanent damage to your lawn. Early intervention is key.
How often should I use fungicides?
For recurring diseases like large patch, fungicides can be applied proactively about two weeks before symptoms typically appear. Follow the product label and consult our team for specific advice.
Can lawn diseases come back even after treatment?
Yes, especially if the underlying causes (like overwatering or poor nutrition) aren’t addressed. Regular maintenance and monitoring are essential to prevent reinfection.
Why is Brevard County so prone to yard diseases?
Our warm, humid climate creates ideal conditions for fungal growth, especially during the cooler months when lawns are at their most vulnerable.