Heavy Rain Can Increase the Risk of Fall Lawn Disease
Rainfall helps maintain healthy lawns, but too much at once can create problems. When soil becomes saturated, and grass remains wet for extended periods, conditions can favor certain fungal diseases.
This is particularly relevant for North Metro Atlanta homeowners with warm-season grasses such as Zoysia and Bermuda.
Watch for Large Patch in Warm-Season Lawns
Large patch is a fungal disease that becomes active during cooler, wetter periods in spring and fall. According to the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, the fungus can infect grass when temperatures in the thatch layer are between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and moisture remains available for at least 48 hours.
Those conditions are more likely during extended periods of wet fall weather, particularly in shaded areas or sections of the lawn with poor drainage.
Homeowners should watch for:
- Circular or irregular patches of yellowing or brown grass.
- Discolored areas that gradually expand.
- Orange or reddish coloring along the edges of affected patches.
- Areas where the grass appears thin or weakened.
These symptoms don't necessarily mean the recent storm caused a lawn disease. Large patch can already be present in the turf, and prolonged moisture can encourage its development when temperatures are favorable.
October is also an important time for preventive care. got lawn? Tree & Turf Care offers lawn disease control, including a large patch program with two fall fungicide applications and one spring application.
If discolored patches begin to appear after rain, a professional evaluation can help determine whether disease, drainage, or another lawn issue is responsible.
What About Newly Seeded Fescue Lawns?
October is a busy time for tall fescue seeding throughout North Metro Atlanta. Homeowners who recently aerated and overseeded may be wondering what several inches of rain means for their new grass.
Gentle rainfall can help keep grass seed moist during germination. Heavy downpours, however, can create problems, especially on slopes or in areas where water moves quickly across the surface.
Excessive runoff can wash seed away or deposit it in low spots, resulting in uneven germination. Young seedlings can also be disturbed by flowing water or prolonged standing water.
Once the ground has drained, homeowners should look for bare areas, displaced soil, or sections where seed appears to have collected.
If your lawn was recently seeded, our article on fall fescue seeding in North Metro Atlanta explains what new grass needs to establish successfully.
Check Trees and Shrubs After Heavy Rain and Wind
Lawns aren't the only parts of a property affected by a storm.
When heavy rainfall saturates the soil, strong winds can put additional stress on trees, particularly those with compromised root systems or existing structural problems.
Even trees that remain standing may have sustained damage that isn't immediately obvious.
Homeowners should look for newly leaning trees, disturbed soil around a tree's base, broken limbs, or cracks where major branches connect to the trunk.
A tree that has developed a noticeable lean or shows signs of root movement should be evaluated by a qualified arborist. Avoid walking beneath damaged limbs or attempting to straighten a leaning tree.
Don't Overlook Shrubs and Landscape Beds
Shrubs can also suffer when their roots remain in saturated soil for an extended period.
Roots need oxygen to function properly, and prolonged waterlogging can interfere with their ability to absorb water and nutrients. Depending on the plant and how long the soil stays wet, symptoms such as yellowing leaves, wilting, or leaf drop can develop later.
A shrub that looks healthy immediately after the storm isn't necessarily experiencing a problem, but persistent standing water deserves attention.
got lawn?'s tree and shrub care services help homeowners maintain healthier ornamental plants throughout the year, including identifying plant health concerns that require professional attention.
Why Are Fire Ant Mounds Suddenly Appearing Everywhere?
If you've noticed fresh fire ant mounds scattered across your yard since Saturday, you're probably wondering where they all came from.
The short answer is that the colonies were likely already there.
Fire ants spend much of their time underground, where their nests can extend well below the visible mound. After heavy rainfall, workers often move soil and rebuild or relocate portions of their nests as conditions change.
Moist soil is also easier for ants to work with, making fresh mounds more noticeable after rain.
That's why a lawn that appeared relatively free of fire ant activity before the storm can suddenly have several visible mounds.
More Mounds Don't Necessarily Mean More Colonies
A sudden increase in visible mounds doesn't automatically indicate that the number of fire ant colonies has increased.
Existing colonies can rebuild damaged mounds, move within the soil, or establish new mound locations in response to changing conditions.
Fire ants remain active in Georgia through much of the fall when temperatures are favorable, so October rainfall can make their activity especially noticeable.
It's worth being cautious around fresh mounds. Fire ants aggressively defend their colonies when disturbed, and their stings can be painful.
If fire ants have become a problem in your yard, got lawn? offers professional fire ant control that treats the entire lawn and landscape beds rather than focusing only on individual visible mounds.
Keep Your Lawn Protected With Healthy Lawn Protection Premier
The recent storm is a reminder that North Metro Atlanta lawns face different challenges throughout the year, from excess moisture and seasonal diseases to weeds and fire ants.
got lawn? Tree & Turf Care offers year-round lawn care programs to help homeowners maintain healthier grass through changing conditions.
Our Healthy Lawn Protection Premier plan includes eight lawn care treatments annually, fertilization, a soil sample, liquid aeration, and your choice of one additional service.
Fire Ant Control is one of those options. Homeowners who select it receive a professional treatment that provides 12 months of fire ant protection. If fire ants persist after treatment, we'll return to re-treat at no additional charge.
Whether you've noticed new fire ant mounds after the storm or you're ready for ongoing lawn care, our local lawn care team can help you choose the services that fit your property.
Request a free quote to get started with got lawn? Tree & Turf Care.
