Brown patch disease is caused by a fungus which lives in the soil. Tall fescue is especially susceptible, although the disease can also attack Kentucky bluegrass and other turfgrasses. The disease is favored by warm to hot, humid weather, high soil moisture, and high turf nitrogen levels. The disease appears as brown patches of dead turf ranging from several inches to 1 ft diameter.
Brown patch occurs primarily during the summer.
With proper management, lawn turf will generally tolerate or recover from the disease without significant damage. Chemical controls are generally not warranted.