Lawn Disease Prevention Guide for Georgia Grasses

Georgia's humid subtropical climate creates ideal conditions for various lawn diseases. Understanding prevention strategies is crucial for maintaining healthy, beautiful turf throughout our challenging growing season.

Common Lawn Diseases in Georgia

Brown Patch Disease

Brown patch primarily affects warm-season grasses during hot, humid conditions. Circular brown patches appear suddenly, often with a darker ring at the edge. This disease thrives when nighttime temperatures exceed 70°F with high humidity.

Dollar Spot

Dollar spot creates small, silver-dollar-sized brown spots in turf. This disease occurs during warm days and cool nights with high humidity, common in Georgia during spring and fall transitions.

Large Patch (formerly Zoysia Patch)

Large patch affects zoysia grass and bermudagrass, creating circular patches that can expand significantly. This disease occurs during fall and spring when soil temperatures are between 50-70°F.

Prevention Strategies

Proper Mowing Practices

• Maintain recommended mowing heights for your grass type
• Never remove more than 1/3 of grass blade length at once
• Keep mower blades sharp to prevent tearing
• Avoid mowing when grass is wet from dew or rain

Water Management

Georgia's humid climate makes proper watering crucial for disease prevention:

• Water deeply and infrequently (1 inch per week)
• Water early morning to reduce humidity at night
• Avoid frequent light watering that promotes disease
• Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogged soil

Fertilization Balance

Proper nutrition strengthens grass against disease:

• Follow soil test recommendations for nutrient balance
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, especially quick-release types
• Maintain appropriate potassium levels for disease resistance
• Apply fertilizer when grass is actively growing

Grass-Specific Considerations

Bermuda Grass

Bermuda grass is relatively disease-resistant but can develop spring dead spot or dollar spot. Maintain proper nitrogen levels and avoid excessive thatch buildup through regular dethatching.

Zoysia Grass

Zoysia is susceptible to large patch disease. Reduce nitrogen applications in fall and maintain proper mowing height. Ensure good drainage as zoysia doesn't tolerate waterlogged conditions.

St. Augustine Grass

St. Augustine is prone to brown patch and take-all root rot. Maintain higher mowing heights and ensure proper drainage. Avoid excessive nitrogen and maintain adequate potassium levels.

Environmental Factors

Air Circulation Improvement

Good air circulation reduces disease pressure:

• Prune overhanging trees and shrubs
• Thin dense vegetation around lawn areas
• Address drainage issues promptly
• Reduce excessive thatch buildup

Soil Health Management

Healthy soil supports disease-resistant turf:

• Maintain proper soil pH for your grass type
• Improve soil structure with organic matter
• Address compaction issues through aeration
• Ensure adequate drainage in problem areas

Professional Disease Management

Professional lawn care services provide comprehensive disease prevention through proper cultural practices, balanced nutrition, and targeted treatments when necessary. Regular monitoring and early intervention prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.