Which practice can help control Brown Patch?

Promoting air circulation through landscape adjustments is an effective practice for controlling Brown Patch, a fungal disease that commonly affects turfgrasses, particularly in warm and humid conditions. Increasing air movement around the grass helps to reduce moisture levels on the leaf surfaces, which is crucial because the fungal pathogens responsible for Brown Patch thrive in damp environments. By ensuring that the grass has better airflow, you can decrease humidity in the turf canopy, thus minimizing the frequency and duration of leaf wetness, which contributes to the disease's development.

In contrast, irrigating in the evening can lead to prolonged moisture on the grass blades overnight, creating ideal conditions for the brown patch fungus to thrive. Similarly, avoiding pruning around affected areas does not directly address the disease's environmental conditions. Additionally, applying high-nitrogen fertilizers can actually worsen the situation, as excessive nitrogen can promote lush, dense growth that is more susceptible to fungal infections. Thus, focusing on air circulation is a proactive and effective strategy for preventing and managing Brown Patch.