Large patch

How to spot it

• Round patches of yellow, orange or brown grass across the lawn
• Patch edges look orange, yellow or red-brown
• Leaves pull out of the sheath very easily
• Pulled blades have a dark brown, rotten-looking spot at the base
• Shows up on St. Augustine and zoysia, mostly in fall and spring

Why it shows up

The fungus lives in the soil all year. It goes to work when the weather is cool and the soil stays wet. Too much water, too much nitrogen, poor drainage and shade make it worse.

How we treat it

We'll identify it on a visit and recommend the right fix. It's mostly a lawn-care fix: water only when the lawn needs it, mow at the right height, and time feedings so we're not pushing heavy nitrogen while the disease is active. If it keeps coming back, a treatment might make sense, and we'll talk through it with you.

What you can do

• Water only when the lawn needs it, and early in the day.
• Hold off on extra fertilizer in fall and early spring.
• Don't mow when the grass is wet.