Hot, humid weather is part of life here in Lake Wylie and York County, SC, and unfortunately, so is summer lawn fungus. Many homeowners don’t realize their thinning, yellowing, or browning grass isn’t just suffering from heat stress; it could be under attack by common turfgrass diseases.
As a local lawn care professional, we have seen lawns bounce back beautifully with the right diagnosis and treatment. In this guide, we will explain what summer fungus really is, how to recognize it, and, most importantly, how to stop it before it takes over your lawn.
Common Summer Fungal Diseases in South Carolina Lawns
South Carolina’s combination of warm-season grasses, like Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass, and our hot, wet summers creates perfect conditions for fungal outbreaks. Here are the main culprits we regularly treat across Lake Wylie, Rock Hill, Fort Mill, and Clover:
1. Brown Patch / Large Patch
Caused by Rhizoctonia solani, this fungus thrives in high humidity and nighttime temperatures above 70°F. It appears as irregular, brown patches with a dark border. In the early morning, you may see a grayish “smoke ring” of fungal mycelium—a clear sign you’ve got active disease.
2. Dollar Spot
Named for the small, silver-dollar-sized lesions it leaves on your lawn, Dollar Spot is common in Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass during periods of heavy dew and mild nighttime temperatures. If left untreated, it merges into larger dead areas.
3. Summer Patch
Often confused with drought stress, Summer Patch causes thinning and circular patches of yellowing turf. It targets the roots, so you may not see damage on the blades until it’s progressed. It’s most common in overwatered or poorly drained lawns.
Signs Your Lawn Has Fungus (Not Just Heat Stress)
Lawn fungus often disguises itself as general decline. But there are subtle differences that can help you identify a fungal outbreak early:
- Patches grow despite watering
- Circular or irregular ring patterns
- Visible mycelium in the morning dew
- Rapid spread after rain or irrigation
- Grass blades show lesions or rotting at the base
Doing a tug test (gently pulling up turf in the affected area) can help. If the roots pull up easily and appear discolored or mushy, fungal infection is likely at play.
Cultural Practices That Prevent Summer Fungus
Fungus thrives in moist, compacted, and poorly managed turf. That’s why prevention starts with proper cultural practices. Here’s what we advise all of our clients in York County:
Water Wisely
Overwatering or watering at night is a major contributor to fungal growth. Instead, water deeply and early in the morning, ideally between 5:00–9:00 a.m. This reduces leaf wetness duration and improves absorption at the root level.
Mow Properly
Keep your mower blades sharp and cut only the top one-third of the grass blade at a time. Scalping weakens turf and invites disease. During periods of stress, it’s better to mow higher to shade the soil and protect the crown of the plant.
Improve Airflow
Compacted lawns and excessive thatch trap moisture at the surface, promoting fungal activity. Core aeration and thatch management are essential in the spring or fall, and even more important if your lawn gets heavy foot traffic.
Avoid High-Nitrogen Fertilizer in Peak Heat
Too much nitrogen during hot months encourages weak, succulent growth—an open invitation to fungus. Stick with balanced, slow-release fertilizers, and always fertilize based on a soil test or your turf type’s seasonal needs.
Read Also: Fight the Fungus: Why May Is Prime Time for Fungicide on Fescue Lawns in York County
When Fungicides Are Needed (and How They Work)
If you’ve spotted active fungus in your lawn, curative fungicide applications may be necessary. The key is early intervention—fungicides work best at the first sign of disease, not after turf has been severely damaged.
We typically recommend systemic fungicides with active ingredients like:
- Azoxystrobin (prevents multiple pathogens, has long residual)
- Propiconazole (effective against Brown Patch and Dollar Spot)
- Fludioxonil (for cool-season turf or targeted patch treatment)
Fungicides should be rotated to prevent resistance, and most require re-application every 14 to 21 days during active infection periods.
DIY vs Professional Fungus Control
Many homeowners in Lake Wylie try to treat lawn fungus on their own, and while it’s possible, it often leads to underdosing, poor coverage, or choosing the wrong product.
As turf care professionals, we use calibrated sprayers, rotation protocols, and turf-specific diagnostics. We also time applications based on weather patterns, not just the calendar. That means more effective control with fewer chemicals and better long-term results.
Don’t Let Fungus Ruin Your Lawn This Summer
When fungus shows up in your yard, the clock starts ticking. The sooner you act, the less damage your turf will suffer and the faster it will recover.
- Call or Text Hippo Turf Care at 803-810-1145
- Request your free quote online at hippoturfcare.com
We proudly serve Lake Wylie, York, Rock Hill, Clover, Fort Mill, and surrounding areas with tailored turf management solutions designed for South Carolina’s climate.
FAQs About Summer Lawn Fungus in South Carolina
Q: What causes lawn fungus in the summer?
A: High humidity, heat, excessive moisture, and compacted soil all create ideal conditions for fungal diseases like Brown Patch and Dollar Spot to spread in South Carolina lawns.
Q: How do I know if my lawn has fungus or just heat damage?
A: Fungal issues often appear as irregular brown or yellow patches, sometimes with visible rings or fuzzy growth in the morning. Heat damage tends to affect entire areas uniformly without patterns.
Q: Can I treat lawn fungus without using chemicals?
A: Some fungal issues can be managed through improved mowing, watering, and aeration practices. However, active outbreaks often require targeted fungicide applications for effective control.
Q: When is the best time to apply fungicide in SC?
A: For summer fungus, apply preventive or curative fungicides early in the morning when temperatures are cooler and disease pressure is starting. Repeat applications may be needed every 14–21 days.
Q: Will lawn fungus go away on its own?
A: Most lawn fungi won’t disappear without intervention. While some may slow down with dry weather, they can return stronger if not treated or if the conditions persist.
