Lawn Diseases

Turfgrass damage should be diagnosed as soon as possible. Damage is often blamed on diseases or insects when climate, environmental conditions, or cultural practices are the real causes. Tree competition, cutting height, cutting frequency, herbicide damage, nutrient chlorosis, and soil compaction sometimes cause diseases to develop.

Diseases are usually more severe in lawns with a heavy thatch. Thatch is a layer of partially decomposed leaves, stems, and roots at the soil surface. It builds up over several years and restricts the movement of air, water, and fertilizers into the soil. When thatch is heavy, roots are generally shallow, which increases damage from drought.