Lawn disease can quickly get out of hand. A healthy lawn is a happy lawn….and how to accomplish that may be easier than you think. We at Grasseaters, Inc. have a few tips on how to help you maintain a beautiful lawn year after year.
Most lawns already have fungi present in the soil which can cause lawn disease. If the conditions are right, most often when the lawn is under stress, these fungi can grow. Environmental stress, improper watering, feeding or mowing, and other unsuitable maintenance are all factors in promoting lawn disease.
If you notice discoloration (such as yellow or brown patches) in your yard, it is important to identify the cause prior to treatment. Be aware that deficiencies or stress can mimic the symptoms of lawn disease. These situations are often easier to remedy than healing a diseased lawn. It is also important to note, especially in Texas where warm-season grasses are found, that dormancy in the cooler weather is a normal occurrence.
Once other factors have been ruled out and lawn disease is determined to be the issue, employing the following methods will help prevent lawn diseases before they start, making maintenance and upkeep of your lawn that much simpler.
Watering and Lawn Disease
It is important to water your lawn properly in order to avoid lawn diseases. Oftentimes, lawn diseases occur when the grass is overwatered and the blades remain damp. Here in the hot Texas climate, watering is a necessity most of the year so practicing proper techniques will keep your lawn healthy and green. The best time to water your lawn is in the morning, within the hours of 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM, allowing ample time for the blades to dry. Late afternoon and evening watering should be avoided to prevent the grass from remaining wet all night. Having a sprinkler system installed allows you to create an automatic watering schedule which can make lawn maintenance less time consuming and much easier. If you are interested in getting a new sprinkler system installed or an existing one repaired, contact Grasseaters today!
Feeding and Lawn Disease
When your lawn is lacking in nutrients, lawn diseases can occur. Feeding your grass 2 times a year minimum, will properly facilitate growth and create strong, healthy blades. A more rigorous feeding schedule of 3-4 times per year may be necessary if your grass sees a lot of activity. Grasseaters can create a custom feeding schedule for your lawn’s needs. Contact us today for a free estimate.
Mowing and Lawn Disease
Properly mowing your grass is an essential component in preventing lawn diseases. Most lawns in Texas are composed of either St. Augustine grass or Bermuda grass. Using a mowing height of 2.5 inches to 4 inches for St. Augustine and 1.5 inches to 2 inches for Bermuda is recommended to ensure your lawn stays in its best condition. Regular mowing will keep the lawn at the optimum heights for your specific type and inhibit growth of lawn diseases. If you have a different variety than St. Augustine or Bermuda, Grasseaters can provide you with the proper mowing heights and care for your lawn.
Chemicals and Lawn Disease
Sometimes lawn diseases are unpreventable due to previous improper care or problems. If this happens to your lawn, a fungicide may be required. There are many fungicides on the market today and Grasseaters, Inc. can assist you in selecting the proper one for your yard.
Keep in mind even the most well-tended lawn can be susceptible to lawn disease. If you are having trouble with lawn disease in your North Texas lawn, contact Grasseaters, Inc. today at 817-249-1070 or fill out our form for a free quote.