Signs and Treatments for Late Summer Lawn Diseases

24 Feb Signs and Treatments for Late Summer Lawn Diseases

As summer reaches its peak, your lawn may be showing signs of stress from heat, humidity, and frequent use. Late summer is also a prime time for lawn diseases to develop, as warm temperatures create the perfect environment for fungal growth. Identifying and treating lawn diseases early can help prevent long-term damage and keep your lawn looking lush and green.

Common Lawn Diseases in Late Summer

Brown Patch

• Symptoms: Circular brown patches that start small but can expand rapidly. The edges often appear darker, giving the patches a “smoke ring” effect.
• Causes: High humidity, excessive moisture, and over-fertilisation.
• Treatment: Improve airflow by mowing at the correct height. Water early in the morning, and apply a fungicide if needed. For a detailed guide on restoring brown patches, check out our Steps to Repair Patchy Areas in Your Lawn During Summer.

Dollar Spot

• Symptoms: Small, silver-dollar-sized, straw-coloured patches. Blades of grass within these patches may have a distinct lesion with a brown border.
• Causes: Low nitrogen levels, drought stress, and excessive thatch build-up.
• Treatment: Apply a balanced fertiliser, reduce thatch, and increase watering frequency during dry periods.

Pythium Blight

• Symptoms: Greasy, dark patches that can quickly turn into a slimy, matted mess.
• Causes: Excessive moisture, poor drainage, and overwatering.
• Treatment: Improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and apply fungicides specifically designed for Pythium control.

Fusarium Patch

• Symptoms: Circular patches of yellow or reddish-brown grass that expand outward.
• Causes: Prolonged wet conditions, cool summer nights, and excessive nitrogen.
• Treatment: Ensure proper drainage, aerate your lawn, and use a low-nitrogen fertiliser.

How to Prevent Lawn Diseases

• Water deeply but infrequently – Water your lawn early in the morning to allow the grass to dry during the day, reducing fungal growth.
  
• Improve soil aeration – Aerate your lawn to prevent compaction and improve root health.
  
• Maintain proper mowing height – Cutting grass too short weakens it, making it more susceptible to disease.
  
• Use a balanced fertiliser – Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can promote fungal issues.
  
• Monitor humidity levels – If your region experiences high humidity, consider using a fungicide as a preventative measure.

Repairing Lawn Damage from Disease

If lawn diseases have left your turf with bare patches, don’t worry—there are effective ways to restore it. Check out our How to Repair Bare Patches on Your Lawn Turf and Summer Lawn Care Tips to keep your lawn resilient throughout the season.

Need Lawn Care Assistance?

If you need expert advice or lawn care products to tackle summer lawn diseases, Seed and Turf is here to help.

Contact us at (03) 9772 7632 or send us an email for professional recommendations tailored to your lawn’s needs.