Maintaining a healthy, disease-free lawn can be challenging, especially when various fungal diseases are prevalent in Iowa. It's important for you to know about these diseases so you can identify and manage the issue. Common lawn diseases in Iowa included brown patch, dollar spot, fairy ring, and powdery mildew. These diseases have varying symptoms, ranging from discolored spots on your turf to unusual spore growth on the grass blades. If your lawn is suffering from any of these diseases, the best way to get rid of it is by hiring professionals to eliminate the issue!

Brown Patch Thrives During Hot, Humid Weather

Brown patch disease on a lawn in Ankeny, IA.

Brown patch is a common lawn disease in Iowa that can affect both the health and appearance of your grass. This disease is caused by a fungus called Rhizoctonia solani and typically occurs during hot, humid weather conditions. It's characterized by irregularly shaped patches of brown or tan grass that can range in size from a few inches to several feet in diameter. The affected areas often have a sunken appearance and may be surrounded by a dark brown or purple border.

To identify brown patch in your lawn, look for these symptoms and keep an eye on the weather conditions, as this disease tends to thrive in temperatures between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity. If you suspect your lawn is suffering from brown patch, contact lawn care professionals right away. They will assess the situation to diagnose the disease, apply the right treatment, and recommend the appropriate care plan to restore your lawn's health and beauty.

Dollar Spot Causes Areas With Dead Grass

Lawn in Ankeny, IA, with dollar spot disease.

Another common lawn disease in Iowa is dollar spot. This fungal disease typically appears during warm, humid weather and is characterized by small, circular patches of dead grass that are about the size of a silver dollar. These patches often have a straw-colored appearance and can merge to form larger areas of dead grass if left untreated.

To identify dollar spot in your lawn, look for these small, circular patches of dead grass, especially during the warmer months. If you suspect your lawn is affected by dollar spot, don't wait longer and look for a professional lawn care team right away. This way, your lawn can be diagnosed and treated to get rid of the disease and stop the fungus from spreading further.

Fairy ring causes mushrooms to grow on your lawn.

Fairy ring is a common lawn disease in Iowa that can be easily identified! That's because this fungal disease may be accompanied by mushrooms or toadstools growing within the infected area. This disease is also characterized by circular or semi-circular rings of lush, dark green grass, often accompanied by a ring of dead or dying grass that varies in size.

Fairy ring is caused by various types of fungi that decompose organic matter in the soil, releasing nitrogen that causes the grass to grow more vigorously. However, the fungi can also create a hydrophobic layer in the soil, preventing water and nutrients from reaching the roots of the grass and leading to the development of dead or dying grass within the ring. Prompt intervention is crucial if your lawn is infected with fairy ring. Hire professionals to diagnose the issue and apply the appropriate treatment to clear the disease!

Cool, humid weather brings powdery mildew.

Grass in Ankeny, IA, with powdery mildew.

Powdery mildew is another lawn disease that often plagues lawns in Iowa that appears during cool, humid weather conditions. This fungal disease can be identified by a white or gray powdery coating on the grass blades, giving them a dusty appearance. The affected grass may also appear stunted, discolored, or thin.

Powdery mildew thrives in shaded areas with poor air circulation and can weaken your grass, making it more susceptible to other diseases and stressors. If you suspect your lawn is suffering from powdery mildew, seek help from lawn care professionals. From diagnosing the issue to implementing the necessary curative treatment, they will ensure the disease is cleared from your turf!

Call us today to schedule our lawn disease control service!

At ETCH Outdoor Living, we understand the importance of maintaining a healthy, disease-free lawn. That's why we offer comprehensive lawn disease control service to help you identify and manage common fungal diseases such as brown patch, dollar spot, fairy ring, and powdery mildew. Our team of experts will work closely with you to diagnose the issue affecting your lawn and develop a tailored treatment plan to restore its health and beauty.

We proudly serve homeowners, business owners, and HOAs in Ankeny, Johnston, Urbandale, West Des Moines, Waukee, IA, and nearby areas. Don't let lawn diseases take over your property. Call us today at (515) 654-5447 to schedule our lawn disease control service and keep your lawn looking its best all year round!