Diseases in turfgrass can occur, especially in lawns with grass species that have moderate to low tolerance to heat and/or drought and, therefore, have suffered through the hot and dry spell.
Turf diseases are tied to the type of grass planted (bluegrass, fescue, etc.), the plant health, soil nutrient status, soil drainage, watering practices, and stressors such as temperature, compaction, and drought.
Correct Drainage
If drainage is problematic on your lawn, take the necessary steps to improve drainage to promote water percolation while helping minimize leaf wetness.
Water Appropriately
If you decide to water your lawn, early morning application is preferred as opposed to evening irrigation. Avoid light applications of water; instead, water deeply but infrequently. Uniformity of coverage is important to avoid neglecting areas.
Conduct a Soil Test
Conduct a soil test to learn what the level of nitrogen is in your soil so you can determine if supplementation is needed and to avoid over-application. Proper nitrogen supplementation can help the grass to stay healthy and fend off diseases that excessive nitrogen can exacerbate.
Submit a Sample
If problems arise, the clinic can assist you in investigating what the problem may be, but keep in mind the type of sample needed. When collecting a turfgrass sample, collect samples before applying any disease-controlling chemicals and collect turfgrass from the edge of the affected area. The sample should include both healthy and infected plants. Completely dead grass is of no use since secondary organisms quickly colonize it. Take a sample of at least 6" diameter (a cup cutter works well). Include the underlying soil and root system.
Wrap the sample in newspaper or paper towels. Please do not place it in a plastic bag, and do not add water. Excess moisture can cause rapid deterioration of the sample and proliferation of secondary organisms. Provide background information, such as when the symptom first appeared, turfgrass variety, and pattern and distribution of the problem. Along with the sample, digital pictures of symptoms can be very helpful. Please see the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic website for guidelines to taking and sending pictures.
Pack and wrap the sample tightly in a box to prevent dislodging the soil. Ship the package early in the week via overnight delivery when possible.