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Lawn Care

Common Lawn Diseases in August and How to Treat Them

By July 19, 2024No Comments
Common Lawn Diseases in Alberta

As August arrives in Alberta, the combination of warm days and cool nights can create the perfect conditions for lawn diseases to thrive. Identifying and treating these diseases promptly is essential to maintain a healthy and vibrant lawn. Here’s a guide to common lawn diseases you might encounter in August and how to treat them effectively.

Identifying Common Lawn Diseases

1. Dollar Spot

Common Lawn Care Diseases Dollar Spot Disease

Symptoms:

  • Small, silver-dollar-sized patches of tan or straw-colored grass.
  • Lesions on grass blades with a light brown border.

Causes:

  • High humidity and warm days with cool nights.
  • Poor soil fertility and low nitrogen levels.

Treatment:

  • Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer to improve soil fertility. Ensure your lawn receives adequate nitrogen.
  • Watering: Water deeply and infrequently in the early morning to reduce leaf wetness.
  • Mowing: Keep your grass at the recommended height to promote healthy growth and reduce stress.

2. Brown Patch

Common Lawn Disease Brown Patch

Symptoms:

  • Circular patches of brown, dead grass that can be several inches to several feet in diameter.
  • Grass blades within the patches may have lesions with a brown border and tan center.

Causes:

Treatment:

  • Watering: Water early in the morning to minimize leaf wetness. Avoid overwatering.
  • Fertilization: Reduce the application of high-nitrogen fertilizers, especially in hot, humid conditions.
  • Mowing: Mow regularly and at the proper height to reduce grass stress.

3. Powdery Mildew

Symptoms:

  • White or grayish powdery growth on grass blades.
  • Grass may turn yellow and become thin in shaded areas.

Causes:

  • High humidity and cool temperatures, especially in shaded areas.
  • Poor air circulation and overwatering.

Treatment:

  • Shade Management: Improve air circulation and reduce shade by pruning overhanging branches and thinning shrubs.
  • Watering: Water deeply and less frequently, preferably in the early morning.
  • Mowing: Mow at the recommended height to promote healthy growth and improve air circulation.

4. Rust

Symptoms:

  • Orange, yellow, or brownish-red powdery spores on grass blades.
  • Grass may appear thin and weak, with a yellowish tint.

Causes:

  • Prolonged periods of leaf wetness, high humidity, and moderate temperatures.
  • Low nitrogen levels and poor lawn maintenance.

Treatment:

  • Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer to improve soil fertility and promote vigorous growth.
  • Watering: Water in the early morning to reduce leaf wetness. Avoid overwatering.
  • Mowing: Regular mowing at the correct height can help reduce disease severity and improve lawn health.

5. Red Thread

Image Compliments of PennState Extension

Symptoms:

  • Small patches of pink or red threads on grass blades.
  • Grass in affected areas may appear water-soaked and eventually die off.

Causes:

  • Cool, wet weather and poor soil fertility.
  • Low nitrogen levels and poor air circulation.

Treatment:

  • Fertilization: Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to promote healthy growth and reduce susceptibility to red thread.
  • Watering: Water early in the morning to allow grass blades to dry quickly. Avoid overwatering.
  • Mowing: Mow regularly at the recommended height to encourage healthy growth and improve air circulation.

Conclusion

Dealing with lawn diseases in August requires a combination of proper lawn care practices and timely interventions. By maintaining adequate fertilization, proper watering techniques, and regular mowing, you can prevent and manage common lawn diseases effectively. Regular monitoring and prompt treatment are key to keeping your lawn healthy and vibrant throughout the late summer months.

For more information on these diseases, you can also reference this blog, “5 Lawn Diseases to Watch Out For“.

By following these guidelines, you can keep your Alberta lawn free from common diseases and ensure it remains lush and green well into the fall.

Please contact us if you have any questions. We offer weed control, lawn fertilizer, weekly and biweekly mowing, core aeration, and overseeding services in Calgary, Red Deer and close surrounding communities.

Sources:

PennState Extension, Turfgrass Diseases: Red Thread (Causal Fungus: Laetisaria fuciformis)