Nobody likes to see their beautiful lawn turn brown and patchy. Unfortunately, this is exactly what happens when Zoysia patch disease creeps in. This disease can cause a whole range of problems for your beloved grass, from yellowing patches to an entire yard full of dead spots. But thankfully, there are steps you can take as a gardener to make sure it never gets that far. In this article, we’ll look at how to identify the symptoms of Zoysia patch disease and how to treat and prevent it so your grass stays healthy and lush!
10 Tips for Treating and Preventing Zoysia Patch Disease
1. Monitor Your Lawn for Early Signs of Zoysia Patch Disease
It is important to keep an eye out for early signs of Zoysia Patch Disease, such as yellow or brown patches of grass in your lawn. These patches may be circular or irregularly shaped and usually occur in areas that have experienced extended periods of wetness or drought. By monitoring your lawn for these signs, you can take steps to prevent the disease from spreading further.
2. Water Your Lawn Adequately
Watering your lawn adequately is an important step in treating and preventing Zoysia Patch Disease. Be sure to water your lawn deeply at least once a week, with each session lasting for around 30 minutes. When watering, avoid frequent light watering sessions as this can lead to shallow root growth and greater susceptibility to disease development. Make sure you water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and allow for the grass blades to dry throughout the day.
3. Avoid Over-Fertilizing or Overwatering
To help prevent Zoysia Patch Disease, it’s important to avoid over-fertilizing or overwatering your lawn. Excess fertilization and watering can create an optimal environment for the fungus that causes the disease. Make sure you are providing the right amount of fertilizer and water for your lawn type. Too much fertilizer can lead to a decrease in grass health which can make it more susceptible to disease.
4. Apply Fungicide in Early Spring and Late Summer
Applying fungicide in early spring and late summer is an effective way to treat and prevent Zoysia Patch Disease. Fungicides help to protect the grass from further infection and can reduce the severity of symptoms. It’s important to follow all instructions on the label of the fungicide to ensure it’s used correctly and safely.
5. Adjust the Mowing Height to Promote Healthy Grass Growth
Keep mowing at a height of 1.5 inches or higher to promote healthy grass growth and help prevent Zoysia Patch Disease. Mowing too low can weaken the grass and leave it more susceptible to disease. This will also help keep the lawn from becoming overgrown and needing drastic measures like reseeding or replanting.
6. Avoid Compacted Soil Conditions
Compacted soil can limit the amount of air, nutrients and water that reach the grass roots. This can weaken the lawn, making it more susceptible to zoysia patch disease. To avoid compaction, never walk on wet grass and only use a light weight mower when necessary. Aerating your lawn can help to break up compacted soil and reduce the risk of zoysia patch disease.
7. Aerate the Soil Regularly
Aerating the soil is an important step to preventing and treating Zoysia Patch Disease. Aeration helps to break up compacted soil and allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the root zone of the grass. It also helps to reduce thatch build-up, which can encourage disease development. Regularly aerating the soil will help promote healthy grass growth and prevent future issues with Zoysia Patch Disease.
8. Remove Dead Patches of Grass From Affected Areas
Removing dead patches of grass from affected areas is an essential step in treating and preventing Zoysia Patch Disease. Dead patches should be carefully removed to avoid further spreading of the disease. Be sure to wear gloves while removing these patches as they can cause skin irritation. Once the infected area has been cleared, it’s important to properly dispose of the dead patches so that the disease does not spread to other parts of your lawn or surrounding areas.
9. Consider Reseeding Damaged Areas of Lawns With Zoysia Grass Species
Consider reseeding damaged areas of lawns with Zoysia grass species if you’re looking to replace dead patches of grass caused by Zoysia patch disease. Zoysia grass species tend to be drought-resistant and can help you maintain a healthy, lush lawn as long as the soil is well-drained and not overly compacted.
10. Utilize Beneficial Microbes to Strengthen Plant Health
Utilizing beneficial microbes is an effective way to strengthen plant health in your lawn and help prevent Zoysia Patch Disease. Beneficial microbes can be applied in the form of a granular fertilizer and are able to help deter disease-causing organisms from attacking and infecting your lawn. This application will also help promote healthy grass growth, which is essential for preventing Zoysia Patch Disease.
##Conclusion
In conclusion, preventing and treating Zoysia patch disease is an important part of maintaining a healthy lawn. Identifying the symptoms early is key to successfully treating the disease before it can cause extensive damage. To prevent the disease, improving soil drainage, mowing grass at a higher level to reduce moisture and fertilizing and watering your lawn correctly are effective preventative measures. Additionally, when treating an infected area, applying fungicide and removing dead or infected grass promptly will help eliminate the disease. With these tips in mind, you can create a lush and beautiful lawn for years to come.