Brown patch fungus, also known as Rhizoctonia solani, is a common lawn disease that can wreak havoc on the lush green grass of Central Florida lawns. It typically appears as circular, brown patches on your lawn, and if left untreated, it can quickly spread and damage your turf. To maintain a healthy and vibrant lawn in Central Florida, it’s crucial to know how to prevent and treat brown patch fungus. Here’s what you need to know:
Brown Patch Fungus Prevention Strategies
With a little effort and vigilance, you can prevent brown patch fungus from ruining your lawn. Here’s how:
- Following Lawn Care Practices: The first line of defense against brown patch fungus is to maintain a healthy lawn. Ensure that your grass is mowed at the appropriate height for your specific grass type (common varieties in Central Florida include St. Augustine and Bermuda grass). Regular mowing keeps your grass at an optimal length and reduces the chances of disease development.
- Investing in Lawn Aeration: Aerating your lawn helps improve soil compaction, allows for better air circulation, and reduces thatch buildup, all of which can contribute to a healthier lawn less susceptible to brown patch fungus. The lawn care experts at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control provide expert lawn aeration that helps your turf “breathe.” It’s a great way to prevent brown patch fungus and other harmful lawn conditions.
- Watering Wisely: Central Florida’s hot and humid climate can create ideal conditions for brown patch fungus to thrive. To prevent this disease, water your lawn early in the morning to allow it to dry out during the day. Avoid evening watering, as it can leave your lawn wet overnight and promote fungal growth.
- Avoiding Overwatering: Overwatering can lead to excessive moisture, which brown patch fungus loves. Use a rain gauge to monitor rainfall and only supplement with irrigation when necessary. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
Learn More: Get Rid of Brown Patch Fungus on Your Lawn This Fall
Brown Patch Fungus Treatment Strategies
If you discover circular brown patches in your yard, your turf may be infected with brown patch fungus. Luckily, with the right treatment, your lawn can return to its former glory:
- Applying Fungicide: When you notice signs of brown patch fungus, such as circular brown patches, it’s essential to act quickly. Reach out to your lawn care experts at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control. We can safely apply a fungicide specifically designed to treat brown patch fungus.
- Improving Air Circulation: Prune back overhanging trees and shrubs to increase air circulation and sunlight exposure in affected areas. This can help the affected grass recover more quickly.
- Reducing Nitrogen: During an outbreak, avoid applying high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can exacerbate the problem. Your lawn care experts at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control use balanced fertilizers that provide essential nutrients without promoting fungal growth.
- Dethatching: If your lawn has a thatch problem (a layer of dead grass and debris), consider dethatching to improve air circulation and reduce conditions favorable to brown patch fungus.
- Replanting Affected Areas: If the damage is severe, you may need to replant affected areas with disease-resistant grass varieties suitable for Central Florida’s climate.
- Monitoring and Adjusting: After treating brown patch fungus, continue to monitor your lawn for signs of recurrence. If you notice any changes, talk to your lawn care pros. We can adjust your lawn care practices as needed to prevent future outbreaks.
Learn More: Will Lawn Fungus Go Away on Its Own?
Call Today for a Healthier Lawn
Is your lawn looking worse for wear? Whether you’re dealing with brown patch fungus, pests, or any other lawn concern, Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control – Apopka can restore your turf to its former glory. Call us today at (407) 880-6655 to schedule your free lawn evaluation!
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