As the sun climbs higher and the days grow longer, the challenges for your lawn shift from winter’s chill to summer’s unique threats. While you enjoy the warm weather, your grass might be battling summer lawn diseases that can quickly turn a lush, green yard into a patchy, brown eyesore.
Recognizing these diseases early and taking the right steps can save your landscaping from significant damage. In this article, we’ll explore common lawn diseases that thrive in the summer and provide effective summer lawn care tips to keep your yard healthy and vibrant.
If you see any signs of disease affecting your lawn, contact Midwest Landscape & Design today to help resolve the issue and repair any damage.
Identifying common summer lawn diseases
Spotting the telltale signs of common summer lawn diseases can save your grass from an unsightly and unhealthy fate. As temperatures rise and humidity increases, your lawn becomes more susceptible to various fungal and bacterial issues. Some of the most common lawn diseases you might encounter include brown patch, dollar spot, rust disease, fairy ring, and summer patch.
Each of these conditions has distinct symptoms that can help you identify and address them before they spread and cause significant damage.
Brown patch
Brown patch, for instance, is characterized by circular brown spots that can grow larger over time, often reaching several feet in diameter. These spots may appear water-soaked at first and gradually turn brown, leading to a patchy appearance in your lawn.
Dollar spot
Dollar spot, on the other hand, is marked by small, silver-dollar-sized patches that initially appear as yellow or tan spots. As the disease progresses, these patches can merge, creating larger areas of thinning grass.
Rust
Rust disease is easily identifiable by the orange or yellowish spores that form on grass blades, giving the lawn a rust-like appearance. These spores can be rubbed off, leaving a residue on your hands or shoes.
Fairy ring
Fairy ring is a unique issue, known for its irregular circles of dark green grass, which are often accompanied by the presence of mushrooms. These rings can vary in size and can cause the surrounding grass to turn brown and die.
Summer patch
Summer patch is a gradual die-off of grass, forming brown rings or patches. This disease is particularly common in hot, dry conditions and can be challenging to manage if not caught early.
Preventing summer lawn diseases through proper care
With a few simple steps, you can fortify your lawn against the summer siege, ensuring it stays vibrant and lush.
Watering tips
One of the most crucial aspects of summer lawn care is proper watering.
Instead of watering your lawn frequently with small amounts, opt for deep, infrequent watering. This encourages strong root growth, which is essential for a healthy lawn. Deep roots can access water and nutrients from deeper soil layers, making your grass more resilient to heat and drought.
Additionally, watering less frequently can help discourage the development of fungal diseases, which thrive in consistently moist conditions. Aim to water your lawn once or twice a week, ensuring the soil is moist to a depth of about six inches each time.
Mow grass at a higher setting
Another effective strategy is to mow your grass to a higher setting. Taller grass provides natural shade to the soil, reducing heat stress and preventing weed growth. This is particularly important during the hot summer months when the sun can be intense. When mowing, set your mower to cut the grass at a height of about three inches.
This not only helps your lawn retain moisture but also makes it harder for weeds to compete with your grass for sunlight and nutrients. Taller grass also tends to have deeper roots, further enhancing its ability to withstand summer lawn diseases.
Choose the right fertilizer
Using the right type of fertilizer is another key component of summer lawn care tips. Slow-release fertilizers provide a steady supply of nutrients over a longer period, which is ideal for maintaining a healthy lawn.
Rapid, weak growth caused by quick-release fertilizers can make your grass more susceptible to diseases. Slow-release fertilizers ensure that your lawn gets the nutrients it needs without overstimulating growth, leading to a more robust and disease-resistant grass. Choose a fertilizer that is specifically designed for summer lawn care and follow the application instructions carefully.
Aerate the lawn
Compacted soil can be a significant obstacle to a healthy lawn, as it limits the penetration of water and air. Aerating your lawn can help alleviate this issue by creating small holes in the soil, allowing water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots more effectively. This process enhances the overall health of your grass, making it less prone to lawn diseases.
Consider aerating your lawn in the early summer, especially if you notice water pooling or if the soil feels hard and compacted. Aeration can be done using a manual aerator or a powered one, depending on the size of your lawn and your budget.
When to call a professional landscaper for help
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the battle against summer lawn diseases requires the expertise of a professional landscaper. While DIY methods can be effective for minor issues, there are clear signs that indicate it’s time to seek professional assistance.
One of the most telling signs is extensive damage to your lawn. If large areas of your grass are turning brown, thinning out, or showing signs of disease that just won’t go away, it’s a strong indication that you need expert help. Extensive damage can be a symptom of deeper, more complex issues that are beyond the scope of basic home remedies.
Don’t wait for minor issues to become major problems. Early intervention is key to keeping your lawn healthy and disease-free. A professional landscaper can offer preventative measures and regular maintenance plans that can help you avoid the hassle and expense of dealing with severe lawn disease later on. By addressing issues promptly, you can save time, money, and the overall health of your lawn.