Does your lawn look like it has drought stress? Chances are, it is fungus!
I’m sure you’re thinking, “My lawn can’t get a fungal infection!” But unfortunately, it is true! It’s bad Karma for overwatering during a drought, according to Boomer! He still hasn’t turned on his sprinklers, and his fescue is emerald green and thriving. Coincidence? Not a chance!
Karma aside, it’s more likely, and an actual fact, that too much water provides a breeding ground for brown patch, also known as lawn fungus!
Let’s dig into why overwatering is a recipe for brown patch, how to spot the difference between drought stress and disease, and what you can do in addition to texting Boomer for help.
Why Fungus Loves Your Overwatered Fescue
In Wichita, often during the spring and summer, we get the perfect storm for lawn fungus: high humidity, warm nights, and, if you’re overzealous with the hose, consistently wet grass. Top it off with an unusually rainy spring, and chances are that if you’ve had your sprinklers running at all, you’re seeing fungus, not drought stress, on your lawn.
Fescue lawns are especially susceptible to diseases like brown patch (Rhizoctonia solani), which thrives when nighttime temperatures stay above 65°F and the grass remains moist from evening watering or heavy dew.
Overwatering or too much water anytime, drought or not, is one of the most common ways homeowners invite fungus into their lawns. The fungus enters the grass plants when they’re wet, especially if you water at night or keep the soil soggy.
Fungus vs. Drought Stress: Don’t Be Fooled!
Here’s the kicker: the symptoms of brown patch and drought stress look almost identical. Both can cause brown, patchy, or discolored areas in your fescue. But there are some telltale signs to help you spot Mr. Fungus before he throws a party in your yard:
- Brown Patch: According to the K-State Extension Office, look for rough, circular patches (1–5 feet wide) that start dark green or purple and quickly fade to tan or brown. Check for tan lesions with brown borders on the grass blades. On dewy mornings, you might even spot white, cobweb-like fungal growth.
- Dollar Spot: Small, round, tan patches the size of a silver dollar, often with yellow centers and dark borders on the blades.
- Leaf Blight: Bleached or brownish patches where leaves die from the tip down, sometimes with a brownish-purple line across the plant.
- Rust: Yellow-orange flecks or powdery pustules on the leaves, especially in late summer and fall.
Photo Credit: K-State Turf & Lawn Blog
If your lawn looks thirsty but the soil is moist, or you notice odd patterns and lesions on the blades, it’s probably fungus, not drought. And honestly, with all the rain we’ve had recently, there is a very small, microscopic chance that your lawn could be drought stressed.
Check out this brief video from a fellow lawncare expert for more information on the distinction between Disease and Drought Stress.
How to Prevent Fungus – and Why Boomer’s Lawn is Winning
- Water in the Morning: Watering early allows grass to dry out during the day. Night watering keeps leaves wet, creating a fungal playground.
- Mow High, Mow Right: Keep your fescue at 3 – 4 inches in summer and always use a sharp blade. This reduces stress and helps grass outcompete weeds and disease.
- Avoid Overwatering: If Boomer keeps his green grass without sprinklers, yours can be too! Deep, infrequent watering is best; let the soil dry a bit between sessions. Honestly, Mother Nature has kept the rain coming enough that sprinklers can stay off until we dry out a bit!
- Good Airflow: Trim shrubs and trees to keep air moving across your lawn, which helps dry out dew and reduces humidity at ground level.
Caught Fungus Early? Here’s What to Do
Don’t panic! Fungus, brown patch, and dollar spot are treatable, especially if you catch the disease early. Fungicides, like those containing myclobutanil, propiconazole, or thiophanate-methyl, can suppress and control most common lawn diseases. For best results, text Greenbelt Lawns for treatment as soon as you spot symptoms. Then it’s in your hands to follow up with good lawn practices to help your fescue recover.
As a bonus to you, if you just want to remove lawn care from your plate altogether, let us know when we’re out treating your fungus and we can add you to our weekly mowing and lawn care maintenance schedule!
Ready for a Lawn Rescue? Text Boomer!
If you’re seeing suspicious brown patches or funky spots on your fescue, don’t wait for Mr. Fungus to settle in. Text Boomer at Greenbelt Lawns at 316-807-2112 to schedule a professional fungicide treatment. We’ll help you diagnose the problem, treat it, and get your lawn back to its lush, green glory, no overwatering required.
Remember: in Wichita, a little less water and a little more Boomer is the secret to a fungus-free, envy-inducing fescue!
Stay green, Wichita!
CITATIONS
K-State Extension Office | Brown Patch in Tall Fescue Lawns: Information for Homeowners
K-State Research and Extension Johnson County | Fungal Growth Caused by Spring Rains
The Spruce | How to Treat Brown Patch Fungus in Your Lawn
Lawn Love | How to Treat Lawn Fungus
Grass Pad | How to Fix Fungus in the Lawn – Fungus Fighter
Greenbelt Lawns | Sustainable Lawn Care
Greenbelt Lawns | Hit the Easy Button for Your Lawn Care Needs
Greenbelt Lawns | Lawn Care Services