Keep Your Lawn Healthy and Green: Summer Lawn Disease Prevention in Western WA
Keep Your Lawn Healthy and Green: Summer Lawn Disease Prevention in Western WA
Summer in Western Washington brings long, beautiful days perfect for enjoying your lawn—but it also brings warm temperatures and higher humidity that can spell trouble for your turf. Two of the most common summer lawn diseases in our region are brown patches and red thread, and both can turn a lush green yard into a patchy, discolored mess if left unchecked.
Here’s how to recognize these common lawn diseases and what you can do to prevent them so your grass stays healthy and vibrant all season long.
🌱 Common Summer Lawn Diseases in Western WA
Brown Patch
Brown patch is caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani and tends to appear during hot, humid weather—typically when nighttime temperatures stay above 65°F. It shows up as irregular brown or tan patches in your lawn, often with a darker ring around the edge, giving it a “smoke ring” appearance.
Contributing factors:
Overwatering, especially in the evening
High nitrogen levels in fertilizer
Poor air circulation and drainage
Warm, humid conditions
Red Thread
Red thread is another fungal disease, caused by Laetisaria fuciformis. It thrives in mild temperatures (between 60-75°F) and high moisture. You’ll notice thin, reddish-pink strands on grass blades and areas of the lawn that look bleached or straw-colored.
Contributing factors:
Low nitrogen in the soil
Poor mowing practices
Excess thatch and compacted soil
Consistently damp conditions
✅ Preventative Measures to Keep Your Lawn Healthy
1. Water Wisely
Improper watering is a major cause of lawn disease in summer. Lawns in Western WA typically need about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall.
Water early in the morning (before 10 a.m.) to reduce leaf wetness duration and prevent fungal growth.
Avoid watering in the late afternoon or evening.
Deep, infrequent watering (2–3 times per week) encourages strong root development and reduces disease susceptibility.
2. Fertilize Correctly
Both too much and too little nitrogen can cause problems.
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to provide steady nutrition throughout summer.
Avoid heavy nitrogen applications in mid-summer, especially before a heatwave or high humidity period.
If red thread is common in your lawn, apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in late spring to boost plant health.
3. Improve Airflow and Drainage
Dense, compacted lawns or shaded areas tend to hold moisture longer, creating a perfect environment for disease.
Aerate your lawn annually to reduce compaction and improve drainage.
Dethatch if needed to remove dead organic matter that traps moisture.
Trim nearby shrubs and trees to increase sunlight and airflow.
4. Mow High and Often
Keep your mower blade sharp and mow regularly to avoid stressing your lawn.
Don’t remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing.
Mow to a height of 2.5–3 inches, which shades the soil and reduces water loss.
🛠 Spotting Trouble Early
Routine lawn inspections can help you catch disease symptoms early. If you notice unusual discoloration, thinning patches, or reddish threads, act quickly:
Reduce watering frequency
Avoid walking on or mowing affected areas
Consider a targeted fungicide application if the problem persists (ideally after consulting with a lawn care expert)
🌿 Let Us Help You Stay Green
At Wolberts Healthy Lawns, we know the unique challenges of lawn care in Western Washington. Our local experts provide tailored fertilization programs, irrigation checks, and disease prevention services designed for our cool, damp climate.
Get a free lawn health quote today—and enjoy a lush, green lawn all summer long.