Kermit the Frog once lamented, “It’s not easy being green.” And you might feel it’s not easy to maintain a perfect, green lawn. Luckily, most of the common turf diseases can be avoided and controlled with a proper lawn care regimen.

Here are three of the more common turf diseases, and what should be done to prevent them from occurring:

Brown patch

A brown patch is probably the most common turf disease. It’s a fungus caused by too much water in hot, humid weather, and can affect all types of grass. Brown patch causes 3-10 inch circles of grass blades to have brown ends and bleached spots. In many cases, the center of the circle will recover, causing the area to look like a target.

Preventing brown patch can be done by watering early in the morning, and focusing on deeper watering and allowing grass to dry in between waterings. Another solution might be aeration in order to improve drainage.

Leaf spot

This disease attacks grass in wet, hot weather, leaving behind purple or brown spots on individual blades that are scattered through green turf. Varieties most impacted by leaf spot include tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass.

Leaf spot can be avoided by not adding too much nitrogen in the spring. Deep, early morning watering is another way to prevent the disease from impacting your lawn, and letting grass dry between hydrations. Severe problems may require fungicide, but you should consult us before going that route.

Red thread

Another characteristic turf disease of fall and spring is red thread. This causes a fungus to appear as red webs of pink or red threads spread over the turf and destroy grass blades. Fine fescues and ryegrasses are the most impacted by this plague.

Red thread can be avoided by making sure your soil is healthy and well fertilized. It should have a pH of 6.5-7, and you should avoid overwatering and water early in the morning.

Not sure what to do about your lawn? Give us a call at (612) 599-8675 or Request a Free Estimate.