Summer turf diseases on golf greens: What to watch for and why

As British and Irish summers become warmer and wetter, turf diseases are no longer just a seasonal concern—they’re an ongoing challenge.

Diseases such as Dollar Spot, Brown Patch, and Brown Ring Patch are showing up earlier, lasting longer, and causing more widespread damage. So, what’s driving this change, and how can you keep your greens looking their best?

Why are turf diseases more common in summer

The combination of heat, humidity, and mild nights creates the perfect environment for turf diseases to flourish.

Factors like leaf wetness, tighter mowing heights, traffic, and stress from drought or poor nutrition can all contribute to disease outbreaks. Without proper management, these conditions give diseases a chance to take hold and spread.

Which turf diseases should you watch for?

Here’s a closer look at some of the main diseases affecting golf greens in summer:

Dollar spot – Appears as small, bleached spots that can quickly spread. Balanced nutrition and careful mowing are key. If disease pressure exceeds 20% (according to the Smith-Kerns Dollar Spot model), consider preventative fungicides.

Anthracnose – Often linked to stress from low nitrogen, drought, or short mowing heights. Look for yellowing, thinning, and small black fungal structures at the base of the plant. Preventative fungicides and good nutrition can help reduce the risk.

Brown patch – Thrives in warm, humid conditions. Starts as greasy-looking patches that turn tan or brown, often with a smoky ring around the edges. Boost air movement, manage nitrogen, and use fungicides if needed.

Brown ring patch – Common in warm, wet weather on closely mown greens. Look for yellow to brown rings and small surface dips. Reduce wetness and improve air flow to combat this disease.

Red thread – More of an issue in cooler, damp conditions with low nitrogen levels. Characterised by red threads on leaf tips and, in severe cases, pink, fluffy patches. Topping up nitrogen and, if needed, applying fungicides can help.

Yellow tuft – A rare but troublesome disease in wet, poorly drained areas. Shows up as small yellow patches with stunted roots. Improving drainage and shade is the main solution, as fungicides usually aren’t effective.

Yellow patch – Prefers cool, wet weather and can hang around into mild summers. Look for yellow to light brown patches that blend into the turf. Improve drainage and balance fertility to help the turf recover.

How to build a summer turf management plan

To stay ahead of these diseases, it’s essential to create an integrated summer management plan:

• Cultural Practices: Remove dew in the mornings, manage irrigation carefully, and adjust nitrogen inputs to suit the conditions.
• Early Detection: Regularly inspect turf for early signs of disease. Tools like the Smith-Kerns Dollar Spot model can help predict disease pressure.
• Preventative Fungicides: If disease pressure is high, apply fungicides early and choose the right product for the disease.
• Ongoing Adjustments: Be ready to tweak practices as weather and turf conditions change. Flexibility is key to keeping disease in check.

Ready for a new summer normal?

Summer diseases are now a regular part of turf management. But with early detection, good cultural practices, and the right treatments, you can keep your greens healthy and playing well all season.

Stay vigilant, adapt to changing conditions, and you’ll be ready for whatever the summer brings.