Fungus & Disease Control
How To Identify Lawn Diseases
Lawn disease doesn’t start with massive brown patches it starts with subtle signs. You may notice small yellow or tan spots, grass that looks “off” even with proper watering, or patches that seem to spread after rain. In many cases, fungal infections cause a dark, smoky ring around the edge of a discolored patch a classic sign of brown patch or take-all root rot. If the turf feels spongy, shows a slimy coating in the morning, or gives off a sour smell, that’s a strong indicator fungus is active beneath the surface.
In Florida, these issues accelerate quickly due to high humidity, especially during spring and fall. Early identification makes all the difference — because once a disease takes hold, even the best lawns can break down fast
Common Lawn Diseases
Tampa Bay’s warm, wet climate creates ideal conditions for turf diseases. Brown patch is one of the most common and leaves large, circular areas of dead or thinning grass, often bordered by a darker ring. Dollar spot creates clusters of small, bleached patches that appear in nutrient-deficient lawns, especially during humid mornings. Leaf spot is another frequent issue and causes purple or black streaks along the grass blades, eventually leading to thinning if left untreated.
Take-all root rot targets the root system, creating widespread yellowing and turf collapse, particularly in St. Augustine and zoysia grass. After heavy rains, pythium blight can break out rapidly, forming greasy, matted patches that kill grass in as little as 24 hours. Each of these diseases looks different, but they all weaken the lawn’s structure and spread quickly if not addressed. Knowing what to look for and responding with the right treatment is critical to preventing long-term damage.
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