How to Treat Brown Patch Fungus

Metro Orlando FL | Kissimmee - Sanford - Leesburg

Brown Patch Fungus Outbreaks

If our technician indicated that Brown Patch Fungus is present in your lawn, there are some things you should know. Brown Patch Fungus may invade the lawn by just about any mechanical method; wind blowing the spores or simply walking over a diseased portion of turf. Once Brown Patch Fungus has become established in an area, it can remain dormant in the soil for years until temperature, humidity, and most importantly, cultural conditions are most favorable. In Central Florida, the fungus can be found year round, but severe outbreaks occur during fall and early winter when daytime temperatures range between 75 —85 degrees, night temperatures fall below 68, and the presence of free moisture on the foliage is prolonged. Shaded lawns that hold excessive moisture are most susceptible, but it may be found in full sun areas as well.

Treating and Preventing Brown Patch Fungus

If your lawn has been previously diagnosed as having Brown Patch Fungus, it is likely that the disease will emerge in the same areas again next fall and early winter. We cannot cure Brown Patch Fungus or prevent it from occurring. However, we can minimize its footprint and control it from spreading by applying fungicides that will temporarily neutralize the fungus until climate conditions are less favorable. We also require a little help from you to keep Brown Patch Fungus under control.
Here is what you can do:

• Decrease your frequency of watering to the affected area. Brown Patch Fungus thrives in excessive moisture areas.
• DO NOT apply any type of fertilizer to the lawn during Brown Patch Fungus outbreaks. The Nitrogen in the fertilizer will actually provide more food for the disease to spread further and faster.
• Avoid mowing the affected areas. Mow around them. Do not step or walk on affected areas. If you have a lawn service, ask them to mow the affected area last, so that the clippings are not spread throughout the lawn.
• DO NOT rake out the affected area. Leave it alone. Generally, the damage is topical and only the actual leaves are affected, leaving stolons and rhizomes intact. The grass blades will grow soon after the fungus becomes inactive. Resodding is generally not necessary.
• Keep a watchful eye on the lawn for further outbreak patches. Call us right away when new patches emerge so we can dispatch a technician to your property to treat new area(s).
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