Brown Patch Fungus in February: What Westfall’s Lawn & Pest Control Is Seeing in Southwest Florida

At Westfall’s Lawn & Pest Control, February is one of the most important months for protecting lawns across Manatee County and surrounding Southwest Florida communities.

If you’re noticing circular brown spots forming in your St. Augustine grass right now, there’s a strong chance you’re dealing with brown patch fungus — one of the most common late-winter lawn diseases in our area.

While much of the country is still frozen, our February weather in Manatee and Sarasota counties creates ideal conditions for fungal activity.

Why Brown Patch Is So Active in February

Southwest Florida winters are mild, but they bring a combination of:

• Cool nighttime temperatures (50s–60s)

• Mild daytime warmth

• Heavy morning dew

• Increased humidity

• Occasional rainfall

These conditions create the perfect environment for brown patch fungus to thrive.

Unlike northern lawns, our grass doesn’t fully go dormant. Growth slows, but turf is still alive — and that makes it more vulnerable to disease when stressed.

At Westfall’s, February is when we intensify monitoring for fungal development because we know how quickly it can spread under these conditions.

The Grass Most at Risk in Manatee County

Brown patch primarily affects St. Augustine grass, which is the dominant turf type throughout:

• Bradenton

• Lakewood Ranch

• Palmetto

• Parrish

• Sarasota and surrounding communities

Zoysia and Bermuda grass can also be affected, but St. Augustine is especially susceptible during cooler, damp periods.

Signs Westfall’s Technicians Look For

When servicing lawns in February, our team looks for:

• Circular or irregular brown patches

• Yellow or orange outer rings around affected areas

• Thinning turf

• Grass blades that pull up easily

• Areas that resemble drought stress even with irrigation

Proper identification is critical. Brown patch can sometimes be confused with chinch bug damage or cold stress. Treating the wrong issue wastes time and allows the real problem to spread.

The #1 February Lawn Mistake We See: Overwatering

One of the biggest contributors to brown patch in Southwest Florida is irrigation systems that are still set to summer schedules.

In February, lawns require significantly less water. When irrigation runs too frequently:

• Soil remains saturated

• Roots weaken

• Fungal spores multiply

• Turf recovery slows

At Westfall’s, we often help homeowners adjust watering practices as part of our winter lawn health strategy.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Brown patch can expand quickly during extended cool, damp stretches.

If left untreated, it can:

• Thin large sections of turf

• Create weak spots where weeds take over

• Slow spring green-up

• Lead to costly sod replacement

Because lawns recover more slowly during winter months, early intervention is far more effective than waiting for spring.

How Westfall’s Protects Lawns in February

Our February lawn care approach focuses on prevention and proactive monitoring:

✔ Targeted fungal treatments when necessary
✔ Irrigation guidance to prevent excess moisture
✔ Proper winter nutrient balancing (avoiding heavy nitrogen)
✔ Routine inspections to catch issues early
✔ Identifying pest vs. disease damage accurately

We focus on long-term lawn health, not quick cosmetic fixes.

Why February Care Impacts Spring Results

Homeowners often think lawn season starts in March or April. In reality, spring success begins in February.

Lawns that stay healthy through late winter:

• Green up faster

• Develop stronger root systems

• Resist pest outbreaks

• Maintain thicker coverage

At Westfall’s Lawn & Pest Control, our goal is to make sure your lawn enters spring in the strongest position possible.

Serving Manatee County & Surrounding Areas

We proudly serve homeowners throughout:

• Manatee County

• Sarasota County

• Hillsborough County (select areas)

• Surrounding Southwest Florida communities

If you’re noticing brown patches forming this February, it’s better to address them now rather than wait for warmer weather.

Schedule a Lawn Inspection

If you suspect brown patch fungus or are unsure what’s affecting your lawn, our team can help identify the issue and recommend the proper course of action.

Westfall’s Lawn & Pest Control
Local. Family-owned. Focused on long-term lawn health in Southwest Florida.