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Identifying Brown Patch in Georgia & Tennessee Lawns

Early recognition is essential to prevent widespread turf damage in warm, humid conditions.

Brown Patch is one of the most common turf diseases affecting lawns in Georgia & Tennessee. Fueled by heat, humidity, and excess moisture, this fungal disease can spread rapidly during late spring and summer if left untreated.

Because symptoms can resemble drought stress or nutrient deficiency, accurate identification is critical.

What Is Brown Patch?

 

Brown Patch is a fungal disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani. It primarily affects warm-season turfgrasses common throughout Georgia, particularly during periods of:

  • Nighttime temperatures above 65°F
     
  • High humidity
     
  • Extended leaf wetness
     
  • Over-irrigation
     

The fungus thrives in dense, moisture-rich turf environments.

Visual Signs of Brown Patch

Early detection can significantly reduce turf loss.

Common symptoms include:


  • Circular or irregular brown patches
     
  • Yellow or darkened outer rings (“smoke ring” effect)
     
  • Thinning turf within affected areas
     
  • Rapid expansion during humid weather
     

Patches may begin small but can enlarge quickly under favorable conditions.

Why Brown Patch Develops in Georgia

Georgia’s warm, humid climate creates ideal conditions for fungal activity. Contributing factors often include:

  • Excess nitrogen fertilization during hot months
     
  • Poor drainage or compacted soil
     
  • Overwatering or late evening irrigation
     
  • Limited air circulation
     

Even well-maintained lawns can experience outbreaks during prolonged humidity.

Professional Treatment & Prevention

Effective management requires more than reactive fungicide application.

A structured approach includes:

  • Accurate diagnosis
     
  • Targeted fungicide rotation
     
  • Adjusted irrigation scheduling
     
  • Balanced fertility management
     
  • Improved soil conditions
     

Preventative treatments during high-risk periods can significantly reduce disease pressure.

Protecting Turf Long-Term

Healthy turf is more resilient to disease stress. Long-term management strategies include:

  • Proper mowing height
     
  • Seasonal aeration
     
  • Controlled nutrient applications
     
  • Consistent monitoring during peak humidity
     

Disease prevention is part of a comprehensive lawn care program — not a standalone treatment.

Schedule a Professional Evaluation

 Circular brown areas and thinning turf are common in Bermuda and Zoysia lawns across McDonough, Peachtree City, and Middle Tennessee. While these symptoms often indicate fungal disease, similar patterns can also result from environmental stress or insect activity.

Accurate diagnosis is critical. Misidentifying the issue can lead to unnecessary treatments and continued decline.

Our consultation process evaluates turf health, environmental conditions, and contributing factors to determine the precise cause — allowing for targeted, effective solutions built on proven systems.

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