Common Lawn Diseases in Florida
There are various common lawn diseases to look out for in your Florida lawn. Due to the unique climate and weather conditions in Coastal and Central Florida, lawns may be susceptible to damaging diseases that require fungicide treatments. A few of the most common lawn diseases are Brown Patch, Root Rot, and Dollar Spot Fungus. Knowing the signs and what to look for in your lawn is the first step to protecting your Florida lawn from environmental stressors.
What is Brown Patch Fungus?
Brown patch fungus may develop when high temperatures and moisture are combined. Brown patch fungus commonly affects Zoysia and St. Augustine grasses. Florida areas experiencing a lot of rain and hot days become favorable conditions for brown patch to develop.
How to Identify Brown Patch in Your Lawn
Signs of brown patch fungus will appear in small, discolored patches on the lawn. Affected areas start yellowing out and eventually turn straw-colored as they wilt. Brown patch fungus is common in the fall months and may appear in rings with dark borders.
What is Root Rot?
While root rot more commonly affects trees and shrubs, lawns are not ruled out from experiencing this kind of fungus damage. Root rot causes root systems to rot or decline and can severely damage Florida lawns. Root rot is normally triggered in the summer and early fall.
How to Identify Root Rot in Your Lawn
If you notice areas of light green or yellow patches in your grass, you may have active root rot. Root rot takes time to show symptoms on the surface therefore professional treatment should be administered as soon as possible. Because this fungus hinders the root systems, it disrupts the lawn’s ability to produce food which is detrimental to the lawn’s health.
What is Dollar Spot Fungus?
Dollar spot fungus favors most warm-season grass types and thrives in lawns that have low nitrogen levels, and soil lacking moisture. Florida lawns lacking proper fertilization may be more susceptible to this fungus.
How to Identify Dollar Spot Fungus in Your Lawn
Dollar spot fungus will present itself through lesions on grass blades in your lawn. As its name suggests, discoloration will show throughout the lawn in small circular patches roughly the size of a silver dollar. A quick fix before trying fungicide treatments would be to apply a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer to the property. Fungicides and fertilization treatments with a local lawn care professional may be the most effective solution.
How to Prevent Common Florida Lawn Diseases
With proper maintenance practices, most of the common lawn diseases seen in Florida lawns can be prevented. To prevent fungus in your lawn, avoid watering the lawn late in the evening. Aerating the soil can also improve your lawn’s resistance to disease. It’s also helpful to test your soil’s pH each year to know if the lawn lacks any vital nutrients to help keep damaging lawn diseases at bay. Most lawn diseases should be treated with a fungicide treatment, but recovery time and results can vary depending on the severity. If you currently have a lawn care provider, ask them if they include fungicide treatments in your current program.
Hiring a Professional Lawn Care Provider to Treat Disease in Your Lawn
Protecting your lawn from any threat of fungus is almost impossible but knowing what to look for and how to eliminate it is the key. Florida weather is a welcoming environment for many common turf diseases which is why hiring a local lawn care company is a good idea. Pearce Lawn Care is a great local option that homeowners in the Melbourne, Fl area can trust. We have weed control and fertilization programs designed to build a healthy, thriving lawn all year long. Our skilled team will keep an eye out for any signs of potential stress or damage on the lawn to make sure treatment is provided quickly. Stopping disease in its tracks is the best way to ensure your lawn is safe and healthy. We’ve been servicing Kissimmee, Saint Cloud, Satellite Beach, and surrounding areas since 1994. Contact us today for a free quote on our lawn care services!