4 Common Lawn Diseases - Identification and Prevention

Learn how to identify and prevent common lawn diseases with expert tips to keep your grass healthy, green, and disease-free.

1. 4 Common Lawn
Diseases:
Identification
and Prevention

2. Why Lawn
Diseases
Happen
Lawn diseases often develop due to a mix of
environmental factors and improper lawn care
habits. Fungi, moisture, temperature changes, and
poor maintenance practices all contribute to these
problems.
In places like Westerville, consistent lawn care is
vital to keep turf healthy through seasonal shifts.
Regular inspections and professional lawn care
Westerville services help detect issues early and
prevent lasting damage.
Example:
Warm, humid conditions and overwatering
can create the perfect breeding ground for
fungal growth.

3. Disease #1 –
Brown Patch
Brown Patch appears as irregular, circular patches of brown
or tan grass, especially during hot and humid conditions.
Blades may have a smoky or water-soaked appearance.
Causes:
Overwatering or poor drainage
High nitrogen fertilizers
Nighttime watering in warm weather
Prevention:
Water early in the morning
Improve air circulation and avoid dense thatch
Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer

4. Disease #2 –
Dollar Spot
Identification:
Small, silver-dollar-sized spots that merge into larger
patches over time. Grass blades develop bleached lesions
with reddish-brown edges.
Causes:
Low nitrogen in the soil
Dull mower blades tearing the grass
Dry days followed by heavy dew or high humidity
Prevention:
Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer to strengthen turf
Sharpen mower blades
Water deeply but less frequently

5. Disease #3 –
Rust
Identification:
Grass appears orange or yellowish, and if you
rub the blades, a fine rust-like powder sticks to
your fingers or shoes.
Causes:
Slow-growing grass due to drought or low
fertility
Shade and poor airflow
Lack of nutrients, especially nitrogen
Prevention:
Keep your lawn well-fed with balanced
fertilizer
Aerate the soil to promote airflow
Reduce shade and increase sunlight exposure

6. Disease #4 –
Powdery
Mildew
Identification:
White, powdery coating on grass blades,
especially in shaded or poorly ventilated areas.
Causes:
Excess shade and poor air movement
Overfertilization with nitrogen
High humidity
Prevention:
Trim nearby trees to increase sunlight
Use slow-release fertilizer
Avoid overwatering shaded areas

7. While each disease has unique traits, most lawn issues can
be avoided with consistent care.
Best Practices:
Aerate soil annually to improve oxygen flow
Water early in the day and avoid wetting the lawn
overnight
Fertilize based on soil testing results
Keep mowing height moderate to reduce stress on grass
General
Prevention
Strategies

8. Conclusion
– Building a
Disease-
Free Lawn
A healthy lawn doesn’t just happen — it’s built
through smart care, early detection, and
consistent maintenance. By understanding the
signs of these 4 common lawn diseases,
homeowners can take simple, effective steps to
prevent them year-round.

9. Thank [email protected]
[phone]
www.springviewslawncare.com