Identifying Common Lawn Diseases in Oklahoma: A Guide for Homeowners

With the growing season in full swing it’s easy to get overwhelmed and overlook small things. Like that small brown patch in your yard. We have a client here in Norman with this amazingly vibrant lawn. During one of our spring clean up sessions, he inquired about a brown patch that was slowly spreading throughout his back yard. He told us he was watering, heavy thinking maybe it was because his lawn wasn't getting enough moisture. He was about ready to rip up the affected section to re-sod. But after having one of our professionals identity the issue, we were able to treat with fungicide without having to break their budget. 

This is why it’s so important to hire a professional to take care of your lawn. When dealing with a diseased lawn in Oklahoma, homeowners often make certain mistakes that can worsen the situation or hinder the recovery process. Being aware of these common mistakes can help you avoid them and take appropriate action to address lawn diseases effectively.

Here are some of the most common mistakes people make with a diseased lawn in Oklahoma:

Misdiagnosing the Problem

One of the most significant mistakes is misidentifying or misunderstanding the specific lawn disease affecting their turf. Different diseases have distinct symptoms and require specific treatment approaches. Misdiagnosing the problem can lead to the application of incorrect treatments or ineffective remedies, delaying the recovery process and potentially causing further damage.

Overwatering or Improper Watering

Overwatering is a common mistake when dealing with lawn diseases. While proper watering is essential for lawn health, excessive moisture can exacerbate certain fungal diseases, such as Brown Patch and Dollar Spot. Additionally, improper watering practices, such as watering at the wrong time of day or using sprinklers that create excessive moisture on the grass blades, can contribute to disease development.

Inadequate Lawn Maintenance

Neglecting regular lawn maintenance practices can make your lawn more susceptible to diseases. Poor mowing practices, such as cutting the grass too short or using dull mower blades, weaken the grass and create favorable conditions for disease development. Failing to address excessive thatch buildup or neglecting proper fertilization and soil health can also contribute to a weakened lawn. This is why we maintain our equipment and encourage you to schedule regular lawn care services with us. By maintaining your yard on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, we can keep it in top shape.

Improper Use of Fungicides

While fungicides can be effective in controlling certain lawn diseases, their misuse or overuse can be problematic. Applying fungicides without proper identification of the specific disease or not following label instructions can lead to ineffective treatments or even damage your lawn further. It's essential to consult with lawn care professionals or extension services for guidance on appropriate fungicide use.

Not Addressing Underlying Issues

Lawn diseases often indicate underlying issues with the lawn's health and maintenance. Failing to address these underlying issues can result in recurring or persistent diseases. For example, poor soil conditions, inadequate nutrient levels, or improper cultural practices (fertilization, irrigation, mowing, growing practices, and pest management) can weaken the lawn's resistance to diseases. It's crucial to address these factors holistically to prevent future disease outbreaks.

Commonly Misdiagnosed Lawn Diseases in Oklahoma

Maintaining a healthy, vibrant lawn in Oklahoma requires more than regular mowing and watering. As we mentioned earlier, various lawn diseases can pose challenges and compromise the beauty and vitality of your turf. To preserve your lawn's health, it's essential to be able to identify the common lawn diseases and take appropriate action. 

Brown Patch

Brown Patch is a prevalent fungal disease in Oklahoma, particularly during warm and humid weather. It appears as circular patches of brown or tan grass with a darker ring around the perimeter. The affected blades may have irregular lesions or a slimy, rotting appearance.

Prevention and management of this lawn disease includes:

Dollar Spot

Dollar Spot is another fungal disease that affects Oklahoma lawns, particularly in humid conditions. It presents as small, silver-dollar-sized patches of bleached grass with tan centers. Fine, cobweb-like fungal growth may be visible in the early morning dew.

Prevention and treatment of Dollar Spot includes:

Rust

Rust is a common lawn disease in Oklahoma, especially during late summer and early fall. It manifests as a powdery, rusty-orange coating on grass blades. When touched, it leaves a distinctive rusty residue on your hands or shoes.

Prevention and management of Rust includes:

Maintaining a healthy lawn in Oklahoma requires vigilance in identifying and addressing common lawn diseases. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of diseases like Brown Patch, Dollar Spot, and Rust, homeowners can take proactive measures to prevent and manage these issues. Remember, a well-maintained lawn with proper cultural practices, including watering, mowing, and fertilizing, goes a long way in reducing the risk of lawn diseases. If you're unsure about the identification or treatment of a particular disease, give us a call for guidance tailored to your specific lawn's needs.