A lush, green lawn is every homeowner’s dream, but when unsightly patches, discoloration, or thinning grass appear, it could be a sign of lawn disease. At DeSantis Landscapes, we’ve been caring for Oregon landscapes for over 50 years, and we understand how important it is to keep your lawn healthy. Lawn diseases can spread quickly, but with the right approach, you can restore your lawn’s beauty and prevent future outbreaks.
Below, we’ll explore common lawn diseases in the Salem and Portland Metro area, how to identify them, and the best treatment options.
1. Brown Patch
Identification:
Brown Patch is a common fungal disease that appears as large, irregular brown patches with darker outer rings. It thrives in warm, humid conditions and primarily affects cool-season grasses like tall fescue and perennial ryegrass.
Treatment:
- Improve air circulation by aerating your lawn.
- Avoid overwatering, especially at night.
- Apply a fungicide if the disease persists.
- Mow at the recommended height to prevent stress on your grass.
2. Red Thread
Identification:
If you notice pinkish-red strands on your grass blades, your lawn may be suffering from Red Thread. This disease is most active in cool, damp weather and often affects nitrogen-deficient lawns.
Treatment:
- Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to strengthen your grass.
- Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
- Rake out infected areas and overseed with resistant grass varieties.
3. Dollar Spot
Identification:
Dollar Spot appears as small, silver-dollar-sized patches of tan or bleached grass. It’s caused by a fungus that thrives in moist, warm weather and spreads quickly in under-fertilized lawns.
Treatment:
- Maintain proper fertilization to keep grass strong.
- Water early in the morning to allow the grass to dry during the day.
- Use a fungicide if necessary to stop the disease from spreading.
4. Snow Mold
Identification:
After the snow melts, you might notice circular patches of matted, gray or pink grass. Snow Mold develops under snow cover and can damage large areas of your lawn.
Treatment:
- Rake affected areas to improve airflow and speed up recovery.
- Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilization in late fall.
- Keep grass slightly shorter before winter to prevent excess moisture retention.
5. Rust Disease
Identification:
Rust disease causes orange or yellow powder-like spores to form on grass blades. It’s most common in shaded, damp areas with poor airflow.
Treatment:
- Mow regularly and remove clippings to reduce spore spread.
- Improve sunlight exposure and air circulation.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer to help the grass recover.
Preventing Lawn Disease: Proactive Care Tips
To prevent lawn disease, water early in the morning to allow grass to dry during the day and avoid excessive moisture at night. Keep mower blades sharp and cut at the right height to reduce stress on your lawn.
Aerate and overseed to improve soil health and introduce disease-resistant grass varieties. Lastly, maintain a balanced fertilization schedule to keep your lawn strong and resilient.
Need Help Restoring Your Lawn?
At DeSantis Landscapes, we specialize in lawn care, irrigation, and eco-friendly landscaping solutions tailored to the Salem and Portland Metro climate. If you’re struggling with lawn disease, our team can diagnose the issue and implement effective treatments to get your lawn back in top shape.
📞 Contact us today at (503) 782-7356 to schedule a consultation!