How to Identify and Control Brown Patch in Washington Lawns

Having a lawn comes with a lot of responsibility. Not only do you have to water, weed, and fertilize throughout the year, but you also have to worry about lawn diseases. Every year Washington lawns are attacked by a number of lawn diseases that cost homeowners hundreds even thousands of dollars each year in repairs. But when you first spot lawn diseases, do not fear. Often, diseases are a sign that something is not right with your soil or watering techniques. Luckily, if you are able to identify the problem early you can control it and learn to prevent it.

Brown patch is a lawn disease that attacks lawns in late spring and into the summer when temperatures rise above 80 degrees F during the day and 65 degrees F at night. Brown patch is caused by hot and humid conditions, prolonged wetness from over-watering, poor soil drainage, compact soil, and watering too late in the day. The disease affects cool-season grasses such as tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and bentgrass. 

How to Identify Brown Patch

Brown patch appears as irregular, circular patches that can be brown or tan in color. As the disease attacks the grass blades it rots them from the base ad causes them to shrivel and die. The sizes of the patches can range from a few inches to several feet in diameter. As it spreads, it will merge with other patches to create large areas of diseased and dead grass.

How to Control Brown Patch

The best way to control brown patch is to set your yard up to prevent it. Remember, a healthy lawn not only can naturally repel weeds, but it can also prevent common lawn diseases from popping up.

Aerating

Many times the cause of poor drainage is due to compacted soil. When soil is compact it can prevent water from soaking into the ground. Core aeration is a process that uses a machine to loosen soil and restore the flow of air, water, and nutrients back into the roots of your grass.

Overseeding

Overseeding is simply the sewing of other grass types into your existing lawn. Overseeding is a technique that is best done after your lawn is aerated and is a great way to build up your lawn’s resistance to pests, drought, and diseases.

Better Irrigation Techniques

Choosing a different time to water your lawn may be all you need to prevent brown patch and other lawn diseases. Brown patch thrives in wet conditions especially when our grass remains wet overnight. Water early in the morning to allow your grass to dry out or get an automatic sprinkler system to ensure your grass gets watered at the right time.

Shade

Shade from trees and shrubs can contribute to brown patch by keeping grass damp. Consider trimming branches back to allow sunlight to dry the grass and increase airflow.

Get a Professional Handyman From Colonial Lawn and Garden

By being vigilant and providing your lawn with the proper care, you can restore balance to your yard and enjoy a lush green lawn. Colonial Lawn and Garden is here to provide exceptional lawn care services and products so you can experience a weed-free and disease-free lawn.

Colonial Lawn and Garden is a local small business that has been serving our community with the best lawn care and handyman services in the area. When you need something done, don’t call someone else, call your local handyman at Colonial Lawn and Garden.

Call today for more information about our services.  For our Yakima office call (509) 966-1655 or for our Tri-Cities office call (509) 371-1655. You can also leave a message on our site and check out our blog for more lawn care tips.