Maintaining a healthy, vibrant lawn is no easy feat. In Pennsylvania, there are several common lawn diseases that can wreak havoc on your turf if left unchecked. Brown patch disease causes circular patches of brown grass, while fairy ring creates rings or arcs of dark green grass with dead areas in the center. Dollar spot appears as small, silver-dollar-sized spots on the leaves and stems of infected grasses. Red thread manifests itself through pinkish-red strands extending from the tips of affected blades. To keep these pesky problems at bay, regular maintenance practices such as proper watering, mowing, fertilization, and aeration should be followed diligently.

1. Brown Patch

Brown patch on a lawn in West Chester, PA.

One of the most prevalent lawn diseases found across Pennsylvania is known as brown patch. This fungal infection primarily affects cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescue. The telltale sign of this disease is circular patches of brown grass ranging from a few inches to several feet in diameter. These discolored areas often have a darker border around them, giving them an appearance similar to burnt toast. Brown patch thrives under warm temperatures and high humidity levels, making it particularly problematic during hot summer months when conditions are favorable for its growth.

To prevent brown patch, ensure adequate airflow within your lawn by regularly mowing at the recommended height and removing any debris buildup.

2. Fairy Ring

Fairy ring disease on a lawn in West Chester, PA.

Another notorious lawn disease commonly encountered throughout Pennsylvania is fairy ring. As the name suggests, this condition results in distinctive rings or arcs of dark green grass surrounded by lighter-colored turf. Within the circle, you may notice either lush vegetation or barren soil depending on the severity of the infestation.

The underlying cause of fairy ring lies in various types of fungi present in the soil. These organisms decompose organic matter, releasing nitrogen into the surrounding area, which stimulates excessive plant growth along the perimeter of the ring. However, inside the circle where decomposition occurs more slowly, nutrient availability becomes limited, resulting in stunted or dying grass.

Fairy ring tends to appear after periods of extended drought followed by heavy rainfall. It thrives in well-drained soils rich in organic material but struggles in compacted clayey substrates lacking sufficient drainage capacity.

3. Dollar Spot

Dollar spot disease on a lawn in West Chester, PA.

Dollar spot is yet another troublesome lawn disease frequently observed among Pennsylvanian property owners. Its characteristic symptom includes small, round lesions resembling dollar coins scattered across the leaf surface. Over time, these spots expand and merge together, creating larger irregularly shaped patches of bleached-out grass.

Similar to other lawn diseases, dollar spot flourishes in moist environments with poor air circulation and inadequate sunlight exposure. Excessive thatch accumulation also contributes significantly to its development since it provides ideal hiding places for the pathogen responsible for causing the disease.

Regular dethatching combined with appropriate irrigation practices can help minimize the risk of contracting dollar spot. Additionally, applying fungicides specifically formulated to combat this specific fungus will provide effective control measures against future outbreaks.

4. Red Thread

Red thread disease on a lawn in West Chester, PA.

Red thread rounds out our list of common lawn diseases plaguing Pennsylvanians. This unsightly affliction derives its name from the distinctive red-pinkish threads protruding from the tip of each blade of grass.

Red thread typically emerges during cooler seasons characterized by prolonged wetness and low fertility levels. Poorly drained sites prone to excessive shade offer optimal conditions for the rapid colonization and spread of the pathogen. Maintaining balanced nutrition through regular applications of fertilizer treatments containing adequate amounts of potassium promotes stronger root systems capable of resisting infections caused by red thread.

Give us a call today to schedule our lawn disease control service!

Partner with us to protect your lawn from diseases! At Countywide Landscape, treatments are offered to eliminate various types of lawn diseases, including brown patch, fairy ring, dollar spot, and more! Our lawn disease control service is offered to property owners in West Chester, PA, and surrounding areas like Downingtown and Exton. Give us a call today at (610) 285-9727 to sign up.