Why Is My Lawn Turning Straw-Colored? Understanding Ascochyta Leaf Blight
- Danny at Spring Touch
- May 27
- 2 min read
If you’ve recently spotted brown, straw-like patches suddenly appearing across your lawn, you’re not alone — and your lawn isn’t dying. These symptoms are most likely caused by a common but temporary fungal disease called Ascochyta Leaf Blight.
It’s Not Fertilizer or Spray Burn!
We want to reassure our customers that this is not a sign of over-fertilization, spray damage or a problem with your lawn care program. This is a natural response to recent extreme weather, and it will pass with a little time and care.
Ascochyta Leaf Blight is a stress-induced lawn fungus that typically shows up in late spring and early summer. You’ll notice quick browning or straw-colored streaks across the lawn, often following mowing. It’s easy to mistake it for drought stress or even fertilizer burn — but it’s actually something very different.
What Causes It?
This disease thrives when the weather alternates between hot, dry spells and cool, rainy conditions — exactly what we’ve experienced recently. These rapid changes in temperature and moisture stress the grass, making it more vulnerable to fungal invasion. The fungus usually enters the plant through cuts made by mowing or other mechanical stressors.
Will It Permanently Damage My Lawn?
Good news — Ascochyta Leaf Blight does not cause permanent damage to your turf. While the grass blades themselves may look unsightly, the root system remains intact and healthy. With the right care, your lawn will naturally recover.
How to Help Your Lawn Recover
Here’s what you can do to support your lawn as it heals:
Water deeply, but not too often. Aim for early morning watering to reduce leaf wetness and allow blades to dry out during the day.
Mow properly. Keep mower blades sharp and mow only when the grass is dry. Avoid cutting the grass too short.
Be patient. In most cases, you’ll mow off the dead leaf tips within a couple of weeks, and fresh green growth will take over.
Adding Liquid Aeration Treatment:
We recommend adding liquid aeration to your lawn care program (if you haven’t already) to help strengthen your lawn’s root system. This treatment loosens compacted soil and allows essential nutrients, water, and oxygen to reach the roots more effectively. A deeper, stronger root system leads to a thicker, healthier lawn.
For best results, liquid aeration should be done at least once a year.
You can sign up for this service online or we'd be happy to help you by calling or texting us at (507) 934-5296.
Want to Learn More? Check out these trusted resources for more detailed info:
If you have questions or need personalized help with your lawn, don’t hesitate to call or text us at (507) 934-5296. We’re always here to help your lawn thrive — even through the tough patches.
