LawnCare Question - Ask Extension
Hi,
I am trying to identify what is going on with a part of my yard. In a lawn care book I have, it looks similar to brown patch. I have not fert...
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LawnCare Question #872398
Asked June 10, 2024, 11:38 AM EDT
Hi,
I am trying to identify what is going on with a part of my yard. In a lawn care book I have, it looks similar to brown patch. I have not fertilized yet or applied weed control as I am seeding other areas of the yard. But I could do that in this area if needed.
For brown patch it says to avoid nitrogen. It seems like it may need fertilizer. But I hesitate to put that on there if that is what is going on. Also, I had this problem in the same area last summer and it never did look green all summer. It looked pretty good a couple of weeks ago. I thought it may have gotten past that issue. But I guess not. I attached a couple of photos that hopefully will tell more of the story.
Thanks, John
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
It could be a patch disease. Or it could be low nitrogen. Excess or irregular N fertilizer is only one contributor to patch diseases. Consider also general soil fertility, compaction, thatch buildup, and so on. Patch diseases are usually a cultural issue. So I'd recommend familiarizing yourself with material in this publication:
https://extension.umn.edu/lawns-and-landscapes/lawn-care
Note that fertilizing should not be done now. Wait until the end of August. Also thatch control should not be done now. Again, wait until late summer. I'd also recommend a soil test to see where you are regarding other soil nutrients. Look here:
https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden
https://extension.umn.edu/lawns-and-landscapes/lawn-care
Note that fertilizing should not be done now. Wait until the end of August. Also thatch control should not be done now. Again, wait until late summer. I'd also recommend a soil test to see where you are regarding other soil nutrients. Look here:
https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden