As with many brown patch lawn diseases, it can be difficult for home and business owners to diagnose Necrotic Ring Spot on their own as it resembles several other grass diseases. Misdiagnosed, it’s very possible for the fungal disease to spread, undetected under the soil, and return with a vengeance the following year or even just a few months later.

If you notice a brown patch on your lawn during cool, wet months, there’s a chance it could be a lawn disease. Necrotic Ring Spot is characterized by circles of dead or dying grass that start off small and continue to grow (as well as spread to form new spots).

Late spring and early fall tend to be Necrotic Ring Spot’s most prolific time of growth and spread. Look for clusters of brown, dying grass and collapse of the entire blade. If you pull a blade from the soil, its roots may be dark brown or black due to the present fungi.

Often, though not always, as a necrotic ring spot expands, grass in the center of the circle will slowly begin to regrow – leaving just the outer-edge brown. This ring effect is where NRS gets its name.

To avoid Necrotic Ring Spot lawn disease, make sure your lawn receives a regular, even coat of a slow releasing fertilizer. Senske can help you with that! Additionally, refrain from watering frequently, opting, instead, for deep drenches over frequent sprinkles and overwatering.

A core aeration service will help prevent the compacted soil Necrotic Ring Spot’s known to love, and regular dethatching will remove excess moisture and encourage your lawn’s roots to grow deeper. Lastly, remove dead debris and clean lawn equipment like mowers after working in the yard to reduce the spread of an existing Necrotic Ring Spot.