At Lawn Specialties, we understand that your lawn is more than just a patch of grass—it’s an important part of your home’s beauty, value, and curb appeal. As springtime rolls in with its fluctuating temperatures, abundant rainfall, and growing humidity, your lawn enters a critical season of vulnerability. Spring conditions are ideal not just for new growth, but unfortunately, for a wide range of common lawn diseases as well.
Without proper care, these fungal diseases can quickly transform your lush, vibrant lawn into a patchwork of dead spots, discoloration, and weakened grass. The good news? With the right prevention strategies and expert help, you can keep your yard healthy and stunning all season long.
Here’s what you need to know about the most common spring lawn diseases—and how Lawn Specialties can help you fight back.
Top 7 Spring Lawn Diseases to Look Out For
1. Red Thread
Cause: Laetisaria fuciformis fungus
Symptoms: Thin, weak patches of grass with red or pink thread-like structures extending from the blades.
Ideal Conditions: Cool, moist spring weather combined with low nitrogen levels in the soil.
How to Prevent It:
Maintain balanced nitrogen levels through proper fertilization.
Improve air circulation by mowing regularly and avoiding thatch buildup.
2. Dollar Spot
Cause: Sclerotinia homoeocarpa fungus
Symptoms: Small, circular, sunken patches (2–6 inches wide) with bleached centers and reddish-brown margins.
Ideal Conditions: Cool (60–85°F) temperatures paired with humid or moist conditions.
How to Prevent It:
Water deeply but infrequently to avoid prolonged leaf wetness.
Apply a balanced fertilizer to strengthen turfgrass.
3. Fusarium Blight / Pink Snow Mold
Cause: Fusarium species
Symptoms: Circular dead patches often covered with pink or white fuzzy mold.
Ideal Conditions: Wet soils, especially right after snowmelt.
How to Prevent It:
Rake and aerate the lawn in early spring to enhance drying.
Apply preventative fungicides in late fall before snowfall.
4. Snow Mold (Gray and Pink)
Causes: Typhula incarnata (Gray Snow Mold) and Microdochium nivale (Pink Snow Mold)
Symptoms: Circular patches (1–3 feet wide) that appear matted, fuzzy, and discolored—gray or pink.
Ideal Conditions: Extended snow cover and excess moisture after snow melts.
How to Prevent It:
Avoid heavy late-fall fertilization.
Mow your grass lower before winter to prevent matting.
5. Leaf Spot & Melting Out
Causes: Bipolaris and Drechslera fungi
Symptoms: Small brown or black lesions on grass blades, which may cause the entire leaf to yellow and die (“melting out”).
Ideal Conditions: Cool, moist, and highly humid weather.
How to Prevent It:
Maintain optimal mowing height to reduce stress on the lawn.
Ensure good airflow and minimize shade where possible.
6. Brown Patch
Cause: Rhizoctonia solani fungus
Symptoms: Large, roughly circular brown or tan patches with a dark, smoky ring (sometimes called “smoke rings”) around the edges.
Ideal Conditions: Moist and humid weather—even surprisingly early in the spring.
How to Prevent It:
Water early in the morning to allow the grass to dry before nightfall.
Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization.
7. Pythium Blight
Cause: Pythium fungus
Symptoms: Greasy or water-soaked patches that grow rapidly and emit a foul odor.
Ideal Conditions: Warm, wet environments, especially in areas with poor drainage.
How to Prevent It:
Improve drainage in problem areas.
Water properly to avoid oversaturation.
Why Spring Lawn Care Matters More Than Ever
Early spring is the best time to get ahead of lawn diseases before they become widespread problems. Once fungal infections take hold, they can be extremely difficult and expensive to treat. Plus, turf recovery after serious disease damage can be a slow, uphill battle.
At Lawn Specialties, we believe that prevention is the best cure. That’s why we offer customized lawn care plans designed to address your yard’s unique needs—from soil health and drainage to fertilization and disease prevention.
When you partner with Lawn Specialties, you’ll get:
Expert lawn inspections to detect early signs of disease.
Tailored fertilization programs to strengthen your turf naturally.
Targeted fungicide applications when necessary to prevent or control outbreaks.
Ongoing maintenance guidance to keep your lawn lush, green, and resilient.
Let’s Make Your Lawn the Envy of the Neighborhood
Spring is the season of growth and renewal—make sure your lawn is ready to thrive! Whether you need a full-service care plan or just a quick assessment, Lawn Specialties is here to help you enjoy a healthier, more beautiful yard.
Don’t wait until disease takes over. Contact us today to schedule your spring lawn inspection and discover the difference that professional care can make.