4 Common Lawn Diseases - Identification and Prevention

1. 4 Common Lawn Diseases: Identification and Prevention

2. Why Lawn Diseases Happen Lawn diseases often develop due to a mix of environmental factors and improper lawn care habits. Fungi, moisture, temperature changes, and poor maintenance practices all contribute to these problems. In places like Westerville, consistent lawn care is vital to keep turf healthy through seasonal shifts. Regular inspections and professional lawn care Westerville services help detect issues early and prevent lasting damage. Example: Warm, humid conditions and overwatering can create the perfect breeding ground for fungal growth.

3. Disease #1 – Brown Patch Brown Patch appears as irregular, circular patches of brown or tan grass, especially during hot and humid conditions. Blades may have a smoky or water-soaked appearance. Causes: Overwatering or poor drainage High nitrogen fertilizers Nighttime watering in warm weather Prevention: Water early in the morning Improve air circulation and avoid dense thatch Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer

4. Disease #2 – Dollar Spot Identification: Small, silver-dollar-sized spots that merge into larger patches over time. Grass blades develop bleached lesions with reddish-brown edges. Causes: Low nitrogen in the soil Dull mower blades tearing the grass Dry days followed by heavy dew or high humidity Prevention: Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer to strengthen turf Sharpen mower blades Water deeply but less frequently

5. Disease #3 – Rust Identification: Grass appears orange or yellowish, and if you rub the blades, a fine rust-like powder sticks to your fingers or shoes. Causes: Slow-growing grass due to drought or low fertility Shade and poor airflow Lack of nutrients, especially nitrogen Prevention: Keep your lawn well-fed with balanced fertilizer Aerate the soil to promote airflow Reduce shade and increase sunlight exposure

6. Identification: White, powdery coating on grass blades, especially in shaded or poorly ventilated areas. Causes: Excess shade and poor air movement Overfertilization with nitrogen High humidity Prevention: Trim nearby trees to increase sunlight Use slow-release fertilizer Avoid overwatering shaded areas Disease #4 – Powdery Mildew

7. General Prevention Strategies While each disease has unique traits, most lawn issues can be avoided with consistent care. Best Practices: Aerate soil annually to improve oxygen flow Water early in the day and avoid wetting the lawn overnight Fertilize based on soil testing results Keep mowing height moderate to reduce stress on grass

8. Conclusion – Building a Disease- Free Lawn A healthy lawn doesn’t just happen — it’s built through smart care, early detection, and consistent maintenance. By understanding the signs of these 4 common lawn diseases, homeowners can take simple, effective steps to prevent them year-round.

9. Thank You! springviewslawncare@gmail.com (614)551-8258 www.springviewslawncare.com