New Lawn Diseases to Watch for in 2026

UCANR Publication 8006. Harivandi A, VA Gibeault, MJ Henry, L Wu, PM Geisel, CL Unruh. UCANR Publication 8035.

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Wong F, MA Harivandi. UCANR Publication 3365-T. (emeritus), UC Cooperative Extension Alameda County.

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Is Your Lawn Turning Brown? Detect Pests Now

Susceptible yards: Tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, bentgrass, St. AugustinegrassSymptoms: Circular spots of dark green turf that turn brownMost common in damp summer conditionsBrown Spot is a common lawn illness brought on by Rhizoctonia solani fungus, which thrives in hot, damp weather. It impacts a range of warm-season turfs, including tall fescue and seasonal ryegrass, resulting in large, circular patches of dead yard that can be numerous feet in size.

Enhance drainage and boost air flow by aerating the soil. Applying fungicides preventatively in high-risk locations can assist manage outbreaks. Executing correct insect management practices is important to prevent the spread of this turfgrass disease. Vulnerable turfs: Bermudagrass, Kentucky bluegrass, seasonal ryegrass, tall fescue, ZoysiagrassSymptoms: Yellow-orange flecks on leaf blades that turn into rust-colored sporesCommon in humid conditions and especially affects ryegrassYard Rust is a fungal yard illness that especially targets ryegrasses which causes yard blades to turn yellow-orange and establish rust-colored spores that can rub off on shoes or yard equipment.

While undesirable and a nuisance, it is in fact not harmful for your yard. Service: Keep correct mowing and watering practices. Avoid excessive shade and overwatering, as these conditions favor rust development. Frequently eliminate grass clippings and other raw material accumulation to lower the spread of spores. Appropriate fertilization motivates energetic growth, assisting the lawn recuperate.

If left uncontrolled, it can advance to melting out, causing spots of dead yard. Decrease nitrogen application and improve soil drainage to dissuade fungal development.

It is more common in cool-season grasses during periods of high humidity.

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Identifying Common Outdoor Insects Effectively

Thinning out dense plantings and increasing sunshine exposure can reduce mildew intensity. Applying fungicides may be essential in persistent cases. Making sure that vulnerable grasses get adequate sunshine can assist prevent this disease.