Abundance of Turfgrass Diseases Prevalent in 2025

In the heart of Iowa's summer season, homeowners may notice an unusual increase in diseases affecting their lawns. Common culprits include Rust, Powdery Mildew, Leaf Spot & Melting Out, Pythium Blight, and Brown Patch[1]. These diseases thrive in warm temperatures, frequent rains, high humidity, and moisture stress[3].

Fortunately, effective management can be achieved through cultural practices that create an unfavourable environment for fungal pathogens and enhance the natural resilience of the turfgrass[1].

Improving air circulation is key. Selective pruning around lawns can help reduce humidity and leaf wetness duration, which are favourable for fungal growth[1]. Proper irrigation management is equally important. Watering early in the morning reduces leaf wetness time and avoids excess moisture, helping prevent disease development[1][5].

Maintaining appropriate mowing heights is also crucial. Taller grass blades provide shade to the soil surface, reduce heat stress, and retain moisture, inhibiting disease proliferation and supporting grass recovery during hot summer periods[1].

Limiting foot traffic during peak heat prevents soil compaction and physical damage to grass crowns, which are vital for stressed lawns. Using designated pathways or temporary barriers can protect sensitive turf areas during summer activities[1].

Regular lawn scouting is essential for early identification of symptoms such as patchiness or unusual discoloration, enabling timely interventions and preventing spread and more severe damage[1].

Employing these cultural controls can significantly reduce disease incidence and severity in Iowa lawns during summer, optimising environmental conditions and turfgrass health without heavy reliance on chemical treatments[1][3]. It's worth noting that fungicides are rarely needed for home lawns.

For those dealing with dead patches in their lawns, a helpful video titled "Fixing Lawn Patches" can be found online[2]. Spots that die out can be reseeded in late August or early September[4]. More information about reseeding a lawn can be found in the article "Overseeding a Lawn"[4].

For comprehensive resources on lawn care, including disease prevention and management, homeowners can visit "Lawn and Turfgrass Resources for Iowa"[6]. The platform offers valuable insights into maintaining a healthy, disease-free lawn throughout the summer months.

[1] Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. (2020). Turfgrass Diseases in Iowa Lawns During Summer. Retrieved from https://www.extension.iastate.edu/lawn-and-garden/turfgrass-diseases-iowa-lawns-during-summer

[2] Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. (2020). Fixing Lawn Patches. Retrieved from https://www.extension.iastate.edu/lawn-and-garden/fixing-lawn-patches

[3] Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. (2020). Common Turfgrass Diseases in Iowa Lawns During Summer. Retrieved from https://www.extension.iastate.edu/lawn-and-garden/common-turfgrass-diseases-iowa-lawns-during-summer

[4] Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. (2020). Overseeding a Lawn. Retrieved from https://www.extension.iastate.edu/lawn-and-garden/overseeding-lawn

[5] Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. (2020). Proper Irrigation Management for Iowa Lawns. Retrieved from https://www.extension.iastate.edu/lawn-and-garden/proper-irrigation-management-iowa-lawns

[6] Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. (2020). Lawn and Turfgrass Resources for Iowa. Retrieved from https://www.extension.iastate.edu/lawn-and-garden/lawn-and-turfgrass-resources-iowa

In the realm of environmental science and home-and-garden, homeowners can learn effective methods to combat diseases affecting their lawns through resources provided by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
To optimize lawn health and wellness, maintaining cultural practices that create an unfavourable environment for fungal pathogens is crucial, as suggested by the science of turfgrass.
For those seeking a fitter lifestyle and looking after their home, proper irrigation management that reduces leaf wetness time and excess moisture is vital for preventing disease development in their lawns.
The field of scientific research, specifically in environmental science and health-and-wellness, emphasizes the importance of air circulation and proper mowing heights for enhancing the natural resilience of turfgrass and inhibiting disease proliferation.
Adopting a mindful gardening approach that minimizes foot traffic during peak heat, and utilizes designated pathways or temporary barriers, can prevent soil compaction and physical damage to grass crowns, ultimately supporting the overall health of your lawn.