How to Identify & Treat Different Types of Lawn Disease

Lawn diseases are a common problem affecting lawns’ beauty and health. These diseases are caused by various factors such as fungal infections, bacteria, viruses, or weather conditions. Identifying and treating lawn diseases promptly is important to prevent further damage and ensure a healthy lawn. Not everyone feels comfortable caring for a lawn and understanding lawn disease. In these cases, it is best to seek professional assistance for any lawn issues. Arbor-Nomics Turf can be your best bet if you are looking for premium lawn care in Woodstock.

Definition of Lawn Disease

Lawn disease is an illness or infection that affects the growth and appearance of grass in lawns. It can be caused by various factors such as fungal infections, bacteria, viruses, or weather conditions.

Importance of Identifying & Treating Lawn Diseases

Lawn diseases can cause significant damage to lawns if not treated promptly. They can cause discoloration, patches, or even the death of grass. Regular maintenance and proper identification of lawn diseases can help prevent further damage and promote a healthy lawn.

Common Lawn Diseases

Lawn diseases can be classified into three main categories: fungal, bacterial, and viral. Each type of disease has its own symptoms and causes, and it is essential to identify the specific disease to choose the most appropriate treatment.

B. Bacterial Diseases:

C. Viral Diseases:

By understanding the common types of lawn diseases, homeowners can take the necessary steps to prevent or treat them and keep their lawns healthy and beautiful.

Fungal Diseases

Fungal diseases are the most common type of lawn disease caused by various fungi. 

Some common fungal diseases include:

Red Thread: Red thread is a fungal disease that causes red or pink threads to form on the blades of grass. It is most commonly found in cool, damp conditions.

Brown Patch: Brown patch is a fungal disease that causes circular patches of brown grass to form. It is most commonly found in warm, humid conditions.

Dollar Spot: Dollar spot is a fungal disease that causes small, circular spots of brown grass to form. It is most commonly found in hot, humid conditions.

Bacterial Diseases

Bacterial diseases are caused by various types of bacteria and are usually less common than fungal diseases. 

Some common bacterial diseases include:

Fire Blight: Fire blight is a bacterial disease that causes wilting, blackening, and dieback of plant tissues. It is most commonly found in warm, humid conditions.

Bacterial Leaf Spot: Bacterial leaf spot is a bacterial disease that causes small, dark spots to form on the leaves of grass. It is most commonly found in warm, humid conditions.

Viral Diseases

Viral diseases are caused by various viruses and are less common than fungal and bacterial diseases. 

Some common viral diseases include:

Mosaic Virus: Mosaic virus is a viral disease that causes yellow streaks or mottling on the leaves of grass.

Ringspot Virus: Ringspot virus is a viral disease that causes circular patterns of yellow or brown grass to form.

How To Identify Lawn Diseases

Identifying lawn diseases is the first step in treating and preventing further damage. There are several symptoms to look for when identifying a lawn disease.

Symptoms

Visual Appearance of Grass: The appearance of grass can be an essential indicator of lawn disease. Discoloration, wilting, or the presence of patches can all be signs of disease.

Color Changes in Leaves: The color of the leaves can also indicate a disease. Yellowing or browning of the leaves can be signs of a fungal, bacterial, or viral disease.

Presence of Spots or Patches: The presence of spots or patches on the leaves of grass can be a sign of a disease. These spots or patches can be circular or irregular in shape and can vary in color from yellow to brown.

Causes

Lawn diseases can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Weather Conditions: Weather conditions, such as warm and humid conditions, can create an environment conducive to the growth of fungal or bacterial diseases.

Improper Watering Practices: Over-watering or watering at the wrong time of day can contribute to the growth of lawn diseases.

Overfertilization: Overfertilization can lead to the growth of grass that is more susceptible to disease.

Treatment of Lawn Diseases

Various treatments are available for lawn diseases, including cultural, chemical, and biological methods. The best treatment option depends on the specific type of disease, the disease’s severity, and the lawn’s overall health.

Cultural Methods

Cultural treatment methods involve changing the lawn’s growing conditions to prevent disease growth. 

These methods include:

Proper Watering Practices: Watering the lawn at the right time of day and avoiding over-watering can help prevent the growth of lawn diseases.

Proper Mowing Practices: Mowing the lawn at the proper height and avoiding mowing when the grass is wet can help prevent the growth of diseases.

Proper Fertilization Practices: Fertilizing the lawn with the appropriate amount of fertilizer at the right time of year can help prevent the growth of diseases.

Chemical Methods

Chemical methods of treatment involve the use of chemicals to control or eliminate the growth of diseases. 

These methods include:

Fungicides: Fungicides are chemicals used to control the growth of fungal diseases.

Bactericides: Bactericides are chemicals that are used to control the growth of bacterial diseases.

Herbicides: Herbicides are chemicals used to control the growth of weeds that can contribute to the growth of diseases.

Biological Methods

Biological methods of treatment involve the use of natural ways to control or eliminate the growth of diseases. 

These methods include:

Compost: Compost is a natural fertilizer that can promote healthy grass growth and prevent disease growth.

Beneficial Microorganisms: Beneficial microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, can be used to control the growth of diseases in the lawn.

Prevention

Preventing lawn diseases is a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy lawn. 

The following steps can help prevent the growth of diseases:

• Mow the lawn at the proper height and avoid mowing when the grass is wet.
• Water the lawn at the right time of day and avoid over-watering.
• Fertilize the lawn with the appropriate fertilizer at the right time of year.
• Regularly monitoring the lawn for signs of disease can help identify problems early and prevent further damage.

Arbor-Nomics Turf

Identifying and treating lawn diseases is integral to lawn care in Marietta. Lawn diseases are highly infectious and can cause severe damage if left untreated. The earlier they are treated, the easier they are to get rid of. While prevention is always recommended, sometimes it’s necessary to treat a lawn infected with a disease.