Battling Lawn Diseases in Mid-Michigan: How to Treat and Keep Your Lawn Healthy — Reder Can Help!

As the summer heat and humidity build in Mid-Michigan, many lawns start showing signs of common turf diseases. These can cause unsightly patches, thinning grass, and general decline in lawn health. But don’t worry — with the right care and treatment, your lawn can bounce back stronger than ever. Here’s a detailed guide on how to recognize and treat the most common lawn diseases currently affecting Mid-Michigan turf, and how Reder Landscaping can step in to keep your lawn thriving.

A Few Key Steps Can Help All These Symptoms

Before diving into specific treatments, it’s important to know that many lawn diseases share the same root causes: moisture, stress, and lack of nutrients. A few simple changes in your lawn care routine can make a big difference across the board:

A. Cut High and Let It Fly
Keep your mower blade at a minimum of 3 inches, and skip the bagging. The grass you’re cutting contains both moisture and nutrients — when left to decompose naturally, those clippings return valuable organic matter to the soil. It’s free fertilizer and a natural mulch!

B. Fertilize the Problem Away
Many of these disease symptoms improve dramatically with the right fertilizer. Nitrogen-heavy products give your lawn the boost it needs to outgrow unsightly patches and fill back in. Just be sure the timing and rate are right — and we can help with that.

C. Rethink Your Watering Routine
Watering is crucial — but the timing is just as important as the amount. Never let your lawn go into the evening wet. If you’ve been watering at 5am, try switching to 7am instead. That extra morning warmth helps the lawn dry off faster, which means fewer opportunities for fungus to take hold.

1. Dollar Spot

Symptoms: Small, round, straw-colored spots about the size of a silver dollar, often merging into larger patches.

Treatment:

• Apply a balanced nitrogen fertilizer to strengthen grass and encourage faster recovery.
  
• Maintain consistent watering habits—water deeply but avoid overwatering.
  
• Mow regularly, keeping grass at recommended heights.
  
• Fungicide treatments can be effective if disease pressure is high.
  

How Reder Helps:
Our experts monitor your lawn for early signs of dollar spot and tailor fertilizer programs to boost turf health. We also apply professional-grade fungicides precisely when needed, minimizing disease spread and helping your lawn recover quickly.

2. Red Thread

Symptoms: Pinkish-red, thread-like fungal growth visible on leaf tips, especially in moist conditions.

Treatment:

• Increase nitrogen fertilization to help the lawn outgrow the disease.
  
• Avoid excessive watering that keeps turf too wet for extended periods.
  
• Ensure good air circulation by trimming surrounding plants if needed.
  

How Reder Helps:
Reder’s team develops customized fertilization and irrigation plans that optimize lawn vigor while limiting conditions that encourage red thread. We provide targeted treatments to stop fungal growth before it spreads.

3. Slime Mold

Symptoms: Brightly colored patches (yellow, orange, purple, gray) that look fuzzy on grass blades.

Treatment:

• Since slime mold is mostly cosmetic, simply wash it off with water or lightly rake it away.
  
• Reduce thatch buildup to improve airflow and sunlight penetration.
  

How Reder Helps:
We offer professional lawn cleaning and dethatching services to eliminate slime mold and improve turf health and appearance.

4. Brown Patch

Symptoms: Circular patches of dead or brown grass, sometimes with a gray or purplish border.

Treatment:

• Improve drainage and avoid overwatering in the evenings.
  
• Apply fungicides during active disease phases as recommended.
  
• Raise mowing height slightly to reduce stress on turf.
  

How Reder Helps:
Our certified technicians identify brown patch early and apply effective fungicide treatments timed perfectly for best results. We also advise on watering schedules and lawn care practices that reduce recurrence.

5. Necrotic Ring Spot

Symptoms: Large yellow or brown rings of dead turf, often caused by root infection.

Treatment:

• Core aerate to relieve soil compaction and improve root oxygenation.
  
• Use fungicides labeled for soil-borne diseases when necessary.
  
• Over-seed affected areas with resistant grass varieties.
  

How Reder Helps:
Reder provides comprehensive soil and turf health assessments, followed by precise aeration and overseeding to repair damaged areas. Our treatments reduce fungal pressure and restore root vitality.

6. Summer Patch

Symptoms: Circular patches of wilted, thinning turf that turn reddish or light brown.

Treatment:

• Improve soil drainage and reduce soil compaction through aeration.
  
• Apply fungicides early in the season before symptoms appear to prevent outbreaks.
  
• Adjust watering practices to avoid prolonged wetness during hot weather.
  

How Reder Helps:

We specialize in preventative fungicide programs customized for your lawn’s specific needs. Our irrigation and drainage recommendations help create less favorable conditions for summer patch.

Why Choose Reder for Lawn Disease Treatment?

• Expert Diagnosis: We use years of experience and modern diagnostic tools to identify lawn diseases quickly and accurately.
  
• Tailored Treatment Plans: Every lawn is unique. We create customized fertilization, irrigation, and fungicide programs to meet your lawn’s specific challenges.
  
• Timely Application: Our trained technicians apply treatments at the right time and in the right way for maximum effectiveness.
  
• Ongoing Support: We monitor your lawn throughout the season to adjust care as needed, helping you maintain a lush, healthy yard.
  

Ready to Get Your Lawn Back on Track?

Don’t let lawn diseases take over your outdoor space! Reach out to Reder Landscaping today, and let us bring our expertise and passion for healthy lawns to your home. With our help, your Mid-Michigan lawn will be the envy of the neighborhood. Call 989-835-8260 or click here to get started today!