Most lawn diseases occur in the spring when temperatures are moderate and afternoon showers are abundant. With summer upon us, there are a few things to scout for that may cause problems in your home lawn.

Gray Leaf Spot of St. Augustine grass can cause severe thinning of home lawns during the heat of summer. Infected turf will have irregular gray, dirty-yellow or ash-colored spots with brown, purple or water-soaked borders on leaf blades. The disease is usually noticed first in shaded areas that remain damp longer.

Fungus spores are carried by wind, splashed rain, irrigation water, and mowers to sites of new infection. Seldom will this disease kill the entire lawn but can thin it enough to encourage weed problems.

Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization (water soluble) during the summer. Irrigate in the day so foliage will not stay wet overnight and mow with a sharp mower when the turf is dry.

Normally, fungicides are not necessary if you follow these cultural practices.