Lawns in Maryland are susceptible to several common diseases that can cause significant damage if left untreated. Brown patch is a fungal disease that creates circular patches of brown grass, often appearing during warm and humid weather. Red thread is another fungal infection that results in reddish-pink threads on grass blades, giving the lawn a distinctive appearance. Leaf spot leads to dark spots on grass blades, eventually causing them to wither and die. Fairy ring forms rings of dark green grass typically dotted with mushrooms, which can be unsightly and disrupt the lawn's appearance. Proper lawn care, including correct mowing, adequate watering, and timely fertilization, can help prevent and manage these diseases.

1. Brown Patch

Brown patch is a common lawn disease that can wreak havoc on your grass in Maryland. It is caused by a fungus that thrives in warm and humid conditions. This disease typically appears as irregularly shaped brown patches on your lawn, ranging from a few inches to several feet in diameter. These patches also usually come with a smoke ring around them.

Brown patch can affect various types of grass, negatively impacting its overall appearance and health. It is most prevalent during the summer months when temperatures are high and humidity levels are elevated. Other factors that can promote this disease's development include excessive nitrogen, poor air circulation, and long periods of moisture.

2. Red Thread

Red thread is another common lawn disease that can affect your turf. It is caused by a fungus that grows well in moist, humid conditions, making it prevalent in the spring and summer. This disease is characterized by patches of blighted grass with pink or reddish threads, giving the lawn a distinctive appearance.

Since red thread is a foliar disease, it primarily hinders the look of your lawn. However, it's crucial to address it promptly when you notice signs to limit the amount of damage it causes. Improper fertilization and poor drainage can also encourage this disease to develop, so ensuring adequate nitrogen and reducing periods of moisture can help mitigate this risk.

3. Leaf Spot

Lawns in Maryland are susceptible to a disease called leaf spot. It is characterized by the presence of dark spots or lesions on the grass blades, which can eventually spread and merge to create discolored patches across your turf. It can also infect the crown and roots, causing what's known as melting-out and, as a result, death of the affected areas.

Leaf spot is common in the spring when temperatures are still cool and conditions are damp and moist. However, it can also develop during warmer weather in late spring/early summer. To reduce the risk of this disease developing, it is important to maintain proper lawn care practices. Regularly mow your lawn at the appropriate height and avoid cutting the grass too short, as this can stress it and make it more susceptible to disease. Additionally, ensure proper watering practices, as overwatering can create a favorable environment for the fungus to thrive. Adequate fertilization and air circulation can also help promote a healthy lawn that is more resistant to leaf spot.

4. Fairy Ring

The last lawn disease that affects lawns in Maryland is fairy ring. It is characterized by the presence of circular or semi-circular rings of dark green grass typically dotted with mushrooms. While this disease is primarily a hindrance to your turf's appearance, it can cause extensive damage if left to its own devices.

Fairy ring is most prevalent during dry, warm conditions in the summer and fall, though excessive moisture can spur mushroom development along the rings. To make your lawn less susceptible to this disease, you'll want to reduce thatch and soil compaction, plus implement proper fertilization and watering practices.

You can invest in preventative lawn disease control treatments to prevent diseases like brown patch, red thread, leaf spot, and fairy ring from infecting!

Call us today to sign up for our lawn disease control service.

At Liqua-Grow Turf, we offer a lawn disease control service that includes curative treatments to eliminate diseases like brown patch, red thread, leaf spot, and fairy ring from your lawn. We also offer preventative treatments to prevent diseases from ever infesting your lawn in the first place. We serve residential and commercial property owners, as well as HOAs, in Westminster, MD, and other nearby areas like Eldersburg and Ellicott. Call us today at (410) 795-7900 to sign up for our lawn disease control service.