Brown Patch and Lawn Pests – What to Watch Out for in Kansas City Lawns This Summer

jason clarkson
May 6
2 min read

Brown Patch and Lawn Pests – What to Watch Out for in Kansas City Lawns This Summer Serving Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, Liberty & Beyond

As we roll into the warm, humid days of summer in the Kansas City metro, it’s the perfect time for lawns to thrive—but it’s also prime time for fungus and insect problems to show up. Whether you're in Lee’s Summit, Liberty, or anywhere across the metro, being proactive now can save your lawn from major stress later.

🌱 Brown Patch Disease: Kansas City’s Most Common Lawn Fungus

If your lawn suddenly develops large brown or yellowing patches, you could be looking at brown patch, the most common turf disease in our region. Brown patch thrives when:

Temperatures rise above 70°F
Humidity is high
Lawns are overwatered or watered at night

Look for circular or irregular patches of brown grass, often with a darker ring around the edge.

🍄 Other Summer Lawn Fungus

In addition to brown patch, lawns in Kansas City often deal with:

Dollar Spot – small silver-dollar-sized lesions on grass blades
Powdery Mildew – white, dusty growth in shaded areas
Mycelium – web-like white threads visible on dewy mornings

These can spread quickly under the right conditions, especially if mowing blades aren’t sharp or lawns are stressed.

🐛 Summer Lawn Insects: Grubs, Billbugs & Chinch Bugs

Fungal disease isn’t the only threat—insects are on the move too. Three major culprits in the KC area are:

Grubs – feed on grass roots and can destroy entire sections of lawn
Billbugs – damage turf from inside the stem before you even notice
Chinch Bugs – suck out plant juices and leave behind straw-like patches

Watch for brown or thinning areas that don’t bounce back after watering—these could signal insect damage.

💡 Turf Geek Pro Tip: Prevention Is Key

Once fungus or insects get going, they can do serious damage fast. Here’s how to protect your lawn:

Mow regularly and at the right height (3.5–4 inches for fescue and bluegrass)
Water early in the morning, not at night
Sharpen mower blades to avoid tearing grass
Schedule preventive grub and fungus treatments before issues explode

Need Help? Turf Geeks Has You Covered!

We offer customized solutions for fungus prevention, grub control, and insect protection across the Kansas City area. Let us help you stop problems before they start—so you can enjoy a healthy, lush lawn all summer long.

📲 Call/Text us at 816-459-0253 or Request a Quote Here