Turfmate field notes · Diseases

Brown patch

Rhizoctonia solani

Expanding brown patches during warm, humid nights.

Brown patch symptoms on centipedegrass; appearance varies between turf species.
Brown patch symptoms on centipedegrass; appearance varies between turf species.
Photo: Scot Nelson · source · CC0. Displayed at reduced size; card crops fit the layout.

What to look for

  • Circular or irregular areas of browned leaves.
  • A darker border can be visible while the disease is active.
  • Leaf lesions and patch appearance differ with grass type and mowing height.

Confirm it before you treat it

Brown colour alone does not identify brown patch. Check soil moisture, mowing damage, root condition and insect activity. Other Rhizoctonia diseases have different hosts and weather preferences; a sample may be needed to separate them.

What to do next

  1. Photograph a fresh edge before mowing and note overnight weather.
  2. Improve drainage and airflow; avoid repeatedly keeping leaves wet into the night.
  3. Avoid excessive nitrogen during conducive weather, and keep mowing height appropriate for the variety.
Seasonal watch

Conditions matter more than dates.

Warm, humid conditions and prolonged leaf wetness. Warm nights are a useful trigger to inspect susceptible turf.

A warm-season watch item, particularly through humid summer spells. Irrigation and sheltered sites can raise risk in drier climates too.

Explore your region & month ↗

Will a fungicide repair brown leaves?

It can address a correctly identified disease where labelled, but damaged turf still needs suitable growing conditions and time to recover.

Inspect & compare

More views. Better clues.

Read each caption and compare fresh symptoms in your own turf.

Dollar spot symptoms on creeping bentgrass.
Dollar spot symptoms on creeping bentgrass.
Photo: Glenobear · source · Public domain. Displayed at reduced size; card crops fit the layout.
Keep investigating

Similar problems. Different solutions.

Reviewed 11 October 2026 · Turfmate. Seasonal windows are indicative planning guidance, not measured outbreak or prevalence data.

Technical sources & image credits

Photos support identification and may have been taken outside Australia. Appearance varies with species, mowing and conditions. A Turfmate product link does not imply endorsement by a photographer or source.