Brown Patch in North Texas Lawns: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

If you're a homeowner in North Texas, you're likely familiar with the unsightly brown patches that can appear on lawns during the hot and humid summer months. These brown patches are typically caused by a fungal disease known simply as "brown patch", which can quickly spread and damage your entire lawn if left untreated. In this blog post, Mahalic and Sons will explain the causes, symptoms, and treatment of brown patch in North Texas lawns to help you keep your lawn healthy and green all year round.

Causes of Brown Patch

Brown patch is caused by a fungus known as Rhizoctonia solani, which thrives in hot and humid conditions. Overwatering, poor soil drainage, and excess thatch can create the ideal environment for this fungus to grow and spread. Other factors that can contribute to the development of brown patch include poor soil fertility, low mowing height, and heavy foot traffic.

Symptoms of Brown Patch

The most noticeable symptom of brown patch is the appearance of circular brown patches on your lawn, which can range in size from a few inches to several feet in diameter. The edges of the patches may appear yellow or reddish in color, and the affected grass may have a slimy, greasy appearance when wet. In severe cases, the affected grass may die, leaving bare patches on your lawn.

Treatment of Brown Patch

Prevention is the key to avoiding brown patch in your North Texas lawn. To prevent the development of this fungal disease, be sure to water your lawn deeply and infrequently, and avoid watering in the evening or at night when the grass is more susceptible to fungal growth. You should also avoid over-fertilizing your lawn, and ensure that you're mowing at the correct height for your grass type.

If your lawn is already affected by brown patch, treatment may be necessary to prevent the spread of the fungus. Mahalic and Sons recommends applying a fungicide to the affected areas, and ensuring that your lawn is properly aerated and thatch-free. You may also need to adjust your watering and fertilizing practices to promote healthy grass growth and prevent further fungal growth.

Conclusion
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Brown patch is a common problem for homeowners in North Texas, but it can be prevented and treated with the right techniques and practices. By following the tips outlined in this blog post and working with a trusted lawn care professional like Mahalic and Sons, you can keep your lawn healthy and green all year round.