Large Patch

What it looks like

Roughly circular patches, often a foot or more across, that turn tan, yellow, orange, or reddish. The disease attacks the leaf sheaths near the base of the grass rather than the blade tips, which helps tell it apart from other lawn problems.

Often mistaken for: Other patch diseases or general winter dormancy discoloration

When it shows up in the Triangle

Infection actually starts in fall once soil cools down, but you usually don't see symptoms until later—either during cool, wet fall weather or again the following spring as the lawn greens up. It can show up anytime from late summer through late spring.

Where you’ll see it

Affects warm-season lawns, including zoysia, centipede, St. Augustine, and bermuda.

What you can do

• Skip fertilizing in early fall and again in early spring, since new growth right before or after dormancy makes this disease worse
• Improve drainage in low, soggy spots
• Keep thatch under control
• Mow at the right height for your grass type and avoid scalping
• Don't expect quick fixes once patches appear—by the time you see symptoms, the infection already happened weeks earlier