Lawn disease?

Question: Can you identify what is wrong with my lawn and any treatments.

responder: Dick M.  Replied July 03, 2023, 11:27 PM EDT
response: Ouch! Clearly a problem in the turf.  Looks like it might be a disease problem but not enough detail in the photos to be able to tell what the disease is.  When did you notice the lawn dying?  Did it spread slowly or quickly?  Is it continuing to get worse?  Do you irrigate?  If yes: how frequently and what time of day?  Have you used weed control or insecticides?  The second photo reminds me of a chemical spill. Antifreeze or gasoline or?  I'd start by doing a soil test on your lawn to learn more about your soil including soil type, pH, nutrient levels and more. Knowing the type and fertility of your soil is the starting point to establishing & maintaining a strong turf that can resist diseases, moss and insects/grubs and look great. More info here: Don't Guess-Soil Test-MSU and MSU Home Soil Test-self mailer I'm attaching links to several university articles on turf diseases to help you to identify the problem: MSU Turf disease ID  ID & Mgmt of Turfgrass Diseases-UDel  Purdue turf disease ID Turfgrass Disease Chart-OSU Turf Diseases & Pests-PSU If you wish email me back answers to my questions and I'll help narrow the possibilities of the cause of your lawn problem.  Don't forget the soil test!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2023, 7:36 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your response. We live on 10 acres, mow approximately 3 acres. We do not irrigate, but have Trugreen treat with fertilizer and weed control. It seemed to start with the drought. No chemical spill and the dark area is in a few spots on the lawn. Thanks again. Sent from my iPhone On Jul 3, 2023, at 11:27 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2023, 7:36 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your response. We live on 10 acres, mow approximately 3 acres. We do not irrigate, but have Trugreen treat with fertilizer and weed control. It seemed to start with the drought. No chemical spill and the dark area is in a few spots on the lawn. Thanks again. Sent from my iPhone On Jul 3, 2023, at 11:27 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Dick M.  Replied July 09, 2023, 9:25 PM EDT
response: I still highly recommend doing a soil test if one hasn't been done recently.  You need to know whether your soil is an asset or hindrance to a healthy lawn.   The lawn started browning roughly the end of May. Disease possibilities could include: a) Spring/Fall Leaf blight, b) Brown Patch, c) Take-all Patch.  You'll need to review the descriptions in the links I sent previously and look closely at the leaves to determine if one of these diseases is a cause.   I'm wondering about insects too.  White grub damage (to roots) would show up in a drought.  No irrigation means it's less likely to be Japanese Beetles.  By now grubs have pupated and hatched into adults so the problem shouldn't be getting bigger (If it is the problem isn't grubs!)  Links to info on grubs (and other insect pests) and their control: How to Choose & Apply Grub Control Products-MSU How Do I Treat for Grubs in My Lawn-UNH Managing Billbugs in Turfgrass-Purdue  Billbugs in Home Lawns-PSU  European Chafer Info & Control - -MSU Unfortunately I don't feel I've given you a solid answer on what's damaging your lawn. The more expert source for an answer is MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics (https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/) You can send in a description and photos (w/ more detail) for identification of the problem/cause. If you do ask them, I'd appreciate a reply through Ask Extension telling me what they told you so I can learn more too. Thanks.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 09, 2023, 10:35 PM EDT
response: Thank youSent from my iPhone On Jul 9, 2023, at 9:25 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿