Brown patch fungus. It’s a fairly common sight in Jacksonville FL due to the high humidity and warm temperatures, but that doesn’t make it any more welcome. This fungus can do a lot of damage to your lawn’s appearance – as well as its overall health. The worst part is, like other fungi, this one is hardy and difficult to get rid of on your own.
That’s where Bug Out comes in. We offer customized lawn care that takes your specific needs into account, so you get the exact treatments you need to keep your lawn looking great.
What Is Brown Patch Fungus?
Brown patch fungus thrives in hot, humid conditions – like those we find in Jacksonville FL. It appears in circular patches on your lawn that look like dead brown grass. It can appear quickly and without much warning, and is easily spread across your whole lawn. If you suspect you have a brown patch fungus problem, do not mow the affected area. The contaminated mower blades can transfer the fungus to other parts of your lawn, making the problem much worse.
Causes of Brown Patch Fungus
Even if you take good care of your lawn, it’s possible for brown patch fungus to appear anyway. Below are some things to look out for if you’re concerned about brown patch fungus growth.
- Overwatering. Fungus likes water just as much as your lawn does, and too much water can make it much more likely for fungus to appear.
- High humidity. Humidity is fungus’ best friend. Combined with warm Florida weather, this can easily create a haven for fungus.
- Thick thatch. Thatch is the layer of grass material between the leaves (the green part) and the surface of the soil. This layer should get broken down and turned into soil over time, but if it doesn’t break down, it can create an ideal breeding ground for brown patch.
- Too much fertilizer. Fungus likes fertilizer too – especially nitrogen. If you use more than your lawn can handle, fungus will happily slurp up the excess.
- Compacted soil. Soil that is too hard won’t drain water as effectively, meaning there’s more water sitting around for fungi to drink.
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Dangers of Brown Patch Fungus
Brown patch fungus isn’t just ugly. If you let it sit there untreated, it can cause a lot of other problems, such as the following:
- Fast spread. Brown patch fungus starts small, but grows fast, quickly taking over large areas and getting harder to control as it goes.
- Grass root damage. Brown patch fungus weakens and kills grass from the roots. Over time, this can kill your entire lawn.
- Unappealing lawn. Your lawn will simply look worse and worse the longer you let your fungus problem sit.
- Decreased overall lawn health. Your lawn’s overall health will decline the longer the fungus is present, which will make it more susceptible to other problems – like diseases and pests.
How Do I Get Rid of Brown Patch Fungus?
Like with any lawn disease, the absolute best way to make sure you’re getting to the root of the problem is to call on the Bug Out team for help. In the meantime, though, there are a few steps you can take on your own.
- Establish proper watering. Too much or too little water can make fungus infections more likely.
- Consider fungicide. Keep in mind that using the wrong fungicide can actually make your problem worse. It’s still best to get advice from a lawn care specialist.
- Maintain a healthy lawn. Proper mowing, watering, fertilization, and aeration can help your lawn stand up to fungal invaders.
- And, finally, bring in a lawn care expert. The Bug Out team knows Jacksonville FL lawns inside and out, and we’re ready to help find the solution to your problem.
Keep Your Lawn Beautiful With Bug Out
Brown patch fungus is hard to get rid of on your own; without expert knowledge from the Bug Out team, you’ll be fighting an uphill battle. While you could try DIY solutions, it’s more than likely they’ll just end up costing you more in the long run. That’s why you should call on the experts to begin with.
The Bug Out team knows that a one-size-fits-all approach to lawn care won’t solve all problems. No two lawns – even neighbors – are exactly the same. Brown patch fungus isn’t unbeatable, especially with the help of a customized lawn care plan from Bug Out.
Interested in our services? Give us a call to get started with a free quote!