Winter Patch Lawn Disease Treatment in Pinellas County, Florida

Winter Patch May Be Dormant Now, but It's Already Damaging Your Lawn

Your lawn may look healthy today—but don’t let the cooler weather fool you. Winter patch is a slow-moving lawn disease that begins its damage below the surface during the fall and winter, only to reveal brown, yellow, or thinning areas once spring arrives.

At Eagle Lawn and Pest Control, we help homeowners and businesses across Pinellas County, Florida, identify and treat winter patch before it takes a toll on your turf. Whether you’re in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Dunedin, or anywhere in between, our lawn care specialists are here to protect your grass—year-round.

📞 Call us today at 727-953-8180 to schedule your lawn inspection and prevent spring damage now.

What Is Winter Patch?

Winter Patch, also known as Yellow Patch, is caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia cerealis. This disease affects warm-season grasses, particularly St. Augustine, Zoysia, and Centipedegrass, and begins its infection when temperatures drop below 70°F.

While you won’t see visible damage during the early stages, Winter Patch is quietly compromising your lawn’s root system during the cooler months. Once the weather warms up, symptoms become obvious—and by then, serious damage may have already been done.

When and Where It Strikes

  • Fall and Winter: Fungus becomes active when soil temps are cool and grass enters dormancy.
  • Spring: Symptoms emerge as grass tries to green up but is unable to recover.
  • Most Common In: Florida’s Gulf Coast lawns, especially in shaded or poorly drained areas

How to Identify Winter Patch in Your Lawn

By the time spring arrives, the once-hidden damage of winter patch begins to surface—and often, it’s mistaken for drought or fertilizer issues.

Symptoms of Winter Patch

  • Circular or irregular yellow-brown patches ranging from a few inches to several feet in diameter
  • Thinning or weak regrowth in early spring, particularly in ring shapes
  • Blades that appear matted, brittle, or discolored at the base
  • Grass may pull up easily in affected areas.
  • Patches may persist despite fertilizing or watering.

Because Winter Patch stays mostly dormant during its attack, many homeowners don’t notice the problem until it's too late for simple repairs.

What Causes Winter Patch in Florida Lawns?

This disease thrives in the exact conditions Florida lawns face during fall and winter—cool nights, damp soil, and reduced turf vigor. Lawns stressed from summer heat or over-fertilization are even more vulnerable.

Common Triggers for Winter Patch

  • Excess nitrogen fertilizer applied in late summer or fall
  • Poor drainage or compacted soil
  • Overwatering as temperatures drop
  • Cool, damp weather with extended shade exposure
  • Thatch accumulation or improper mowing height

Once established, the fungus can live in your soil and re-emerge year after year unless treated and managed properly.

Our Winter Patch Lawn Treatment and Recovery Plan

At Eagle Lawn and Pest Control, we treat winter patch with a focus on prevention, root protection, and long-term turf resilience. Our team uses professional-grade treatments and personalized lawn health strategies to stop the fungus and prevent its return.

Our Winter Patch Treatment Process

  • Preventive Fungicide Applications – Applied before visible symptoms occur to stop fungal activity in cool soil
  • Soil and Drainage Analysis – Correct compaction or water retention problems that allow fungus to thrive
  • Balanced Fertilization Plans – Adjust nitrogen use to reduce lawn stress heading into cooler seasons
  • Expert Lawn Maintenance Guidance—Help you manage mowing, watering, and seasonal practices for long-term defense

Service Area: Serving All of Pinellas County, Florida

We protect lawns from winter patch and other diseases in all 24 municipalities across Pinellas County, including

  • Clearwater
  • St. Petersburg
  • Largo
  • Seminole
  • Dunedin
  • Palm Harbor
  • Tarpon Springs
  • Gulfport
  • Belleair
  • Indian Rocks Beach
  • Safety Harbor
  • Treasure Island
    …and more.

No matter where you live, our experienced team is just a call away.

Don't Wait for Spring—Treat Winter Patch Now

By the time Winter Patch symptoms appear, the damage is already done. The best time to act is before it’s visible. Let Eagle Lawn and Pest Control help protect your lawn through the winter and ensure a healthy, vibrant spring comeback.

📞 Call 727-953-8180 today to schedule your free lawn analysis.
We’ll evaluate your turf, diagnose any risk of disease, and design a plan to protect your investment from the ground up.