Zoysia Patch Disease

Types

• Brown patch is a fungal disease that often affects zoysia, but is most destructive in tall fescue and perennial ryegrass, according to the University of Kentucky Extension. Zoysia plantings less than 1 year old suffer the most severe damage from brown patch disease.

Symptoms

• The symptoms associated with brown patch disease include circular patches of brown grass, gray cobweb fungus on grass in the early morning and smoke rings in wet grass.

Control

• Avoid overfertilizing your zoysia grass to prevent disease development. Fertilizers high in nitrogen promote fungal diseases. Mow your grass frequently and set your lawn mower at a height of no more than 2 1/2 inches to promote proper aeration. Avoid frequent watering on your zoysia grass and irrigate grass in the morning, as this allows the grass time to dry out completely during the day.