As temperatures begin to cool down, the fall season presents the perfect conditions for various lawn diseases to develop in South Florida. To keep your commercial landscape looking its best, it’s important to be aware of common fall lawn diseases and take proactive steps to prevent and treat them. At Cutters Edge, we specialize in maintaining healthy lawns year-round, and here are some of the key diseases to watch out for this fall.
- Brown Patch Disease
One of the most common lawn diseases in the fall is brown patch disease. This fungal infection thrives in cool, damp conditions and is known to create large, discolored patches of grass that quickly spread. It typically affects warm-season grasses, such as St. Augustine, which is prevalent in South Florida.
- Prevention: To prevent brown patch disease, avoid overwatering your lawn, especially during the cooler months. Ensure your irrigation system is properly calibrated for the season, and avoid fertilizing with high-nitrogen fertilizers in the fall.
- Treatment: If you notice brown patches developing, act quickly by applying a fungicide to stop the disease from spreading. You should also improve airflow and drainage in affected areas by aerating the soil.
- Dollar Spot
Dollar spot is another fungal disease common in the fall. It appears as small, silver-dollar-sized patches of brown or tan grass, which can spread if left untreated. This disease thrives in warm, humid environments with cooler nights—exactly the conditions found in South Florida during fall.
- Prevention: Proper lawn care practices, such as regular mowing and adequate fertilization, can help prevent dollar spot. Maintaining a healthy lawn is key to resisting fungal infections.
- Treatment: If dollar spot develops, applying a fungicide will help control the disease. Be sure to water early in the day to allow the lawn to dry before nightfall, and avoid overwatering.
- Take-All Root Rot
Take-all root rot is a serious fungal disease that targets the roots of grass, causing them to weaken and die. This disease often becomes noticeable during the fall and can lead to widespread damage if not properly managed.
- Prevention: To prevent take-all root rot, make sure your lawn is well-aerated to encourage proper root growth. It’s also important to maintain a balanced pH level in your soil, as overly alkaline conditions can promote this disease.
- Treatment: If take-all root rot is detected, a fungicide specifically designed to treat root diseases should be applied. In addition, consider soil amendments to help restore balance and encourage healthy root development.
- Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a disease that affects the blades of grass, leaving dark brown or purple spots on the leaves. While it often starts as a minor issue, it can spread quickly and weaken the grass if not treated.
- Prevention: Prevent leaf spot by maintaining a consistent mowing schedule and ensuring your lawn is not under stress from drought or poor nutrition. Regular fertilization and deep watering are key.
- Treatment: If leaf spot becomes a problem, apply a fungicide to affected areas. Water your lawn in the early morning, and be sure to remove any thatch buildup that could encourage the disease.
Conclusion
Fall lawn diseases can cause significant damage to your property if left unchecked. By staying vigilant and practicing good lawn care habits, you can prevent these diseases from taking hold. At Cutters Edge, we offer comprehensive lawn maintenance services to keep your landscape healthy and beautiful year-round. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help protect your lawn from fall diseases and ensure your landscape thrives through every season.
