Brown patch is a common turfgrass disease caused by the fungus species Rhizoctonia. Irregular, circular patches of dead grass leaves and stems appear in infected lawns and can be from a few inches to several feet wide. Fescue lawns are especially susceptible, but brown patch can infect both warm- and cool-season lawns. Most damage occurs in the warm summer months.
Cultural Solutions
- Avoid overfertilizing, especially in late spring and summer for cool-season lawns and early spring and late fall for warm-season lawns.
- Lush growth is particularly susceptible.
- Water properly, wetting the entire root zone (6 to 8 inches deep) and allowing the turf to partially dry between irrigations (Summer Lawn Watering Guide).
- Mow at the proper height and collect clippings to prevent spread.
- Aerate to improve drainage.
- Have soil tested—disease is more prevalent in soils below a pH of 6.