Disease Control

Sometimes disease can cause problems in turf. The signs of disease are usually small to large irregular shaped circles that are brown or straw colored. Disease can be more problematic in certain grasses. Most disease we will see in this area are: Dollar spot in Bermuda, Zoysia patch in Zoysia, and brown patch in fescue.

Preventative disease control is included in some programs. We look for signs of disease while on your lawn, but disease can show up quickly. We can do curative treatments if needed.

The steps outlined below helps build a strong lawn that resists most types of turf diseases:

• Choose a turfgrass recommended for your area, and always choose the most disease-resistant variety.
• Level the lawn to get rid of low areas where water might stand.
• Test the soil every five years and follow the test recommendations.
• Follow a regular fertilization schedule when fertilizing grass.
• Keep your mower blades sharp, and remove no more than one-third of the blade length every time you mow. Don’t mow wet grass.
• Aerate your lawn every other year so that oxygen and nutrients can reach the turfgrass roots.
• Remove thatch when it becomes more than 1/2 inch thick.
• Keep the lawn free of leaves and debris. Water grass deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots.
• Watering early in the morning allows the water to evaporate during the day. Wet grass overnight encourages disease.
• Watch for problems so you can head them off before they become serious.