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brown patch

Brown Patch

Whenever the humidity level and the temperature combine to total 150 or more, the conditions are right for the development of fungus pathogens. Brown Patch is one of these and can be recognized by leaf blades first appearing water-soaked and dark. Leaf blades then wilt and become light brown as tissue dies. A leaf lesion may appear irregular in shape, tan in the center and dark-brown around the borders. Symptoms on high-cut turf may resemble a ring with centrally located tufts of healthy grass within the patch. Fescue grass is most susceptible to this disease.

Over-fertilization tends to increase the intensity of this disease. King GREEN's Summer Application is a controlled-release, light application of fertilizer on Fescue. Preventative applications are usually not economical in residential lawns. If you notice Brown Patch in your lawn, we can help control it with supplemental applications of fungicide. The supplemental applications are usually good for two to three weeks. We recommend a minimum of two applications, two to three weeks apart to control this disease, but more if necessary. Because of the expense of additional product, there will be an additional charge to your normal maintenance. King GREEN rotates the products we use on your lawn to keep a resistance from building up to any one product.

Something you can do to help prevent this disease from taking hold is to mow your lawn frequently with a sharp blade. Also, avoid evening watering and trim trees and shrubs to allow for better air movement and light penetration.