5 Common Lawn Diseases and How to Prevent Them

A healthy, green lawn is every homeowner’s dream, but lawn diseases can quickly turn that dream into a nightmare. In South Bend, IN, the changing seasons and fluctuating weather conditions create the perfect environment for lawn diseases to take hold. Understanding common lawn diseases and how to prevent them is key to maintaining a healthy yard. Here are five of the most common lawn diseases and what you can do to keep them at bay.

1. Snow Mold

Snow mold is a fungal disease that appears in early spring as the snow melts, leaving behind circular patches of matted grass. There are two types: pink snow mold and gray snow mold. This disease thrives in cool, wet conditions and can damage your lawn if left untreated.

Prevention Tips:

• Keep your lawn free of excessive thatch.
• Mow your grass short before winter to reduce matting.
• Improve drainage to prevent standing water.

2. Leaf Spot

Leaf spot starts as small brown or purple spots on grass blades that eventually cause thinning. It thrives in humid conditions and can be worsened by improper mowing and excessive nitrogen fertilization.

Prevention Tips:

• Mow your lawn at the correct height to avoid stress.
• Water in the early morning to allow grass to dry during the day.
• Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen-heavy products.

3. Dollar Spot

Dollar spot appears as small, silver-dollar-sized patches of dead grass. This fungal disease is most active in warm, humid weather and can spread rapidly across your lawn.

Prevention Tips:

• Maintain proper lawn nutrition with balanced fertilization.
• Water deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root growth.
• Aerate your lawn to improve airflow and reduce thatch buildup.

4. Brown Patch

Brown patch is a summer lawn disease that creates large, irregular patches of brown grass. High humidity and excessive watering can increase the risk of brown patch spreading.

Prevention Tips:

• Water in the morning to prevent prolonged moisture.
• Ensure good air circulation by aerating your lawn.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen applications in hot weather.

5. Red Thread

Red thread is a fungal disease that produces pinkish-red strands on grass blades. It’s most common in cool, moist conditions and often affects undernourished lawns.

Prevention Tips:

• Apply a balanced fertilizer to keep grass strong and resilient.
• Improve lawn drainage and avoid overwatering.
• Mow regularly to remove infected grass blades.

How Our Experts Can Help

Lawn diseases can be frustrating, but you don’t have to fight them alone. Turfmen provides expert lawn care services in South Bend, IN, including disease prevention, aeration, fertilization, and other lawn programs. Our team knows how to diagnose and treat lawn diseases before they cause major damage, helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful lawn all season long.

If you’re struggling with lawn diseases or want to prevent them, contact Turfmen today for a free lawn analysis and customized treatment plan. Let us help you keep your lawn looking its best!