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Writer's pictureTimothy Jacobs
Jul 222 min read

Summer Lawn Diseases: Identification and Prevention

Summer brings warmth and plenty of sunlight, conditions that are generally great for your lawn but can also foster the growth of various lawn diseases. Recognizing these diseases early and understanding how to prevent them are key to maintaining a healthy, vibrant lawn. At Lawn Harmony Landscaping, we're dedicated to helping you identify and manage common summer lawn diseases so you can enjoy a lush, green landscape all season long.


Common Summer Lawn Diseases


1. Brown Patch:

  • Symptoms: Circular patches of brown, dead grass that are typically surrounded by a narrow, dark ring.

  • Conditions Favoring Disease: High humidity and temperatures over 85°F.

  • Grass Types Affected: Particularly common in ryegrass and tall fescue but can affect many types.

2. Dollar Spot:

  • Symptoms: Small, silver-dollar-sized tan or straw-colored spots that merge into larger patches.

  • Conditions Favoring Disease: Low moisture, low nitrogen fertility, and cool evening temperatures.

  • Grass Types Affected: Affects all grass types but is most severe in lawns with low nitrogen levels.

3. Pythium Blight:

  • Symptoms: Initially appears as small, dark, water-soaked spots that quickly turn into slimy masses under wet conditions.

  • Conditions Favoring Disease: Very high humidity and temperatures, especially when nights are warm and grass remains wet for extended periods.

  • Grass Types Affected: Most common in closely mown grasses like those found on golf courses but can appear in any type of lawn under the right conditions.


Prevention and Management Strategies


4. Water Wisely:

  • Irrigation Practices: Water your lawn deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth and reduce surface moisture, which minimizes disease proliferation.

  • Best Time to Water: Water early in the morning so that the lawn dries quickly with the rising sun, reducing the likelihood of disease.

5. Proper Mowing:

  • Mowing Height: Keep your lawn at the recommended height for your specific grass type. Cutting too short can stress the grass and make it more susceptible to diseases.

  • Blade Maintenance: Ensure mower blades are sharp to prevent tearing the grass, which can open it up to infections.

6. Nutrient Management:

  • Fertilization: Follow a balanced fertilization program that meets the specific needs of your lawn. Over or under-fertilizing can both lead to disease.

  • Soil Testing: Conduct regular soil tests to determine the precise nutrient needs of your lawn.

7. Aeration and Dethatching:

  • Aerate: Aerating your lawn helps improve drainage and reduces soil compaction, allowing roots to breathe and grow more robustly.

  • Dethatch: Remove thatch if it exceeds 1/2 inch, as thick thatch layers can harbor fungi and restrict water flow to the soil.


Contact Lawn Harmony Landscaping


If you’re concerned about lawn diseases or need help with lawn care and maintenance, contact Lawn Harmony Landscaping:



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Identifying and preventing lawn diseases before they become severe is crucial for maintaining a healthy, beautiful lawn. With the right care and preventative measures, you can protect your lawn from the common diseases that summer may bring.



Lawn Diseases

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