By Elliot Zace
General Manager
Slug-A-Bug

Brown patch fungus is a common issue affecting lawns, especially from October through March when Florida’s temperatures are relatively cool. In our area, it infects mainly St. Augustine grass, although it can also be a problem for Zoysia and Bermuda grasses as well. The disease creates circular or irregularly shaped brown patches on the lawn, often with a light, yellow-orange outer ring when active.

People sometimes ask Slug-A-Bug about measures that can keep the disease from attacking their lawns. Unfortunately, there’s no surefire way to prevent it, as the fungus is naturally present in the soil. It can also spread through the air, water or by equipment such as mowers that have come from infected properties. If we could prevent it, we would.

Around this time of year, conditions are ideal for brown patch to thrive. Cooler temperatures combined with moisture from rain or irrigation create the perfect environment for the fungus to grow. This is a good time to be looking for it.

Remember, if you notice areas of your lawn turning brown, it doesn’t necessarily mean the grass is dead. Brown patch typically attacks the blades, leaving the roots intact, allowing for recovery over time. But it requires some patience. The grass is still very much alive even if the leaf blades are brown. 

The key to bringing your lawn back to health is to adjust lawn care practices, such as reducing watering and doing so only during the early morning hours, completing the last zone before sunrise. You can help the lawn recover by managing these factors, although the process may take weeks.

It’s frustrating to deal with brown patch fungus, but remember that your lawn can bounce back with time and the right care. Our technicians are trained on how to identify the fungus and take measures to mitigate its spread as much as possible. Many factors that contribute to this issue are beyond our control. But rest assured, we can still treat your grass and bring it back to normal health.

Contact Slug-A-Bug if you have any questions or concerns about brown patch fungus.