Monarch Landscaping Logo

How to Manage Plant Diseases in Houston: Identification & Treatment

5 Minute Read

Maintaining a lush, healthy landscape in Houston can feel like a constant battle against nature. Our warm and wet climate creates the perfect storm for plant diseases, leaving you feeling frustrated with the health and look of both your lawn and plantings. If your landscape is not looking its best despite your best efforts, you are not alone.

The good news is that understanding how Houston’s climate contributes to plant diseases can provide you with the insights needed to effectively manage and mitigate these issues. By recognizing common plant diseases and implementing both preventative and curative measures, you can keep your landscape vibrant and thriving. 

Let’s explore the prevalent plant diseases in Houston, how to identify them, and the best practices for treatment and prevention.

Learn More About:
Houston’s Climate and Its Role in Plant Diseases
Common Plant Diseases in Houston
Plant Disease Treatment
Plant Disease Prevention

Houston’s Climate and Its Role in Plant Diseases

Anyone who has resided in Houston for more than a few months knows that our weather is a double-edged sword. The city’s warm temperatures and high humidity levels, coupled with frequent heavy rainfall, create the ideal conditions for the development and spread of plant diseases. These factors can lead to a variety of issues in both turf, color and shrub beds, making proactive management essential for keeping your landscape vibrant and healthy.

property manager and customer inspect landscape

Common Plant Diseases in Houston

Understanding the common plant diseases in Houston is crucial for effective management and prevention. The city’s unique climate conditions create a fertile environment for insects and disease to grow, making it essential for property owners to recognize these issues early. By identifying the specific insects and diseases that frequently affect local plants, you can take proactive steps to address them and maintain the health and beauty of your landscape. Let’s explore the most prevalent plant diseases in Houston and how to spot them.

  1. Brown Patch Disease: Brown Patch is a prevalent disease in Houston’s St. Augustine turf variety, particularly noticeable in the fall. It typically emerges in late September through October when cooler temperatures and persistent wet conditions occur. Look for circular patches of brown, dying grass, which can spread quickly if not addressed.
    brown patch
  2. Gray Leaf Spot Disease: Gray Leaf Spot Disease affects St. Augustine turf primarily in early to mid-summer. This disease is characterized by small, irregular spots on the leaves, often surrounded by a yellow halo. Proper identification and treatment during the early stages can prevent severe damage.

  3. Powdery Mildew: Powdery Mildew is a fungal disease that commonly affects Crape Myrtles in late May. It is easily identified by the white powdery substance found on the foliage, or leaves. Although visually striking, it is usually short-lived and manageable with the right treatments. 
    powdery mildew
  4. Cercospora Leaf Spot: Cercospora Leaf Spot is common on plants like Red Tip Photinia and Indian Hawthorn. It is recognized by numerous black spots on the leaves. This plant disease can cause significant damage if not treated promptly.

Effective Plant Disease Treatment

Plant disease treatment should be approached with a combination of chemical and environmental strategies that emphasize both preventative and curative measures. Let’s explore some options when it comes to plant disease treatment:

fungicide lawn treatment spray

Chemical Treatments:

  • Preventative Measures: For diseases like Brown Patch, targeted fungicides should be used at times when conditions are most favorable for disease development. Applying these treatments before symptoms appear or worsen can significantly reduce the risk of outbreaks. 

  • Curative Measures: Once a plant disease is present, it’s essential to use the appropriate fungicide at a curative rate and follow the recommended treatment schedule to stop the spread.

Environmental Practices:

  • Turf Irrigation Management: Reducing irrigation in the Fall can help prevent the conditions that favor disease development, particularly for diseases like Brown Patch. 

  • Proper Plant Placement: Avoid planting species that are prone to specific diseases in areas where they are likely to fail. This helps in reducing the chances of disease occurrence.

Preventing Plant Diseases in Texas

Preventing plant diseases in Houston is as crucial as treating them. Here are some effective preventative measures to follow:

irrigation expert adjusts controller

  • Reduce Turf Irrigation in the Fall: Limiting water during the cooler months can help prevent conditions that lead to plant fungus.

  • Learn from Past Experiences: Avoid replanting species that have previously struggled in certain locations. Understanding which plants thrive in specific environments can prevent future issues.

  • Adopt Comprehensive Plant Health Care: Implementing proper plant health care and irrigation programs ensures that your plants and turf remain robust and less susceptible to diseases.

Partnering with a Commercial Landscape Team to Help with Plant Fungus and Disease

Dealing with plant diseases in Houston’s challenging climate can be a daunting task, and we understand how frustrating it can be to see your landscape struggle despite your best efforts. The city’s warm, humid weather combined with heavy rainfall creates a breeding ground for a variety of plant insects and diseases, leaving many commercial property owners grappling with lawn and garden health.

At Monarch Landscape Management, we recognize these challenges and are here to offer a solution. Our expertise in identifying, treating, and preventing plant insects and diseases is backed by years of experience and a deep understanding of Houston’s unique environmental conditions. We employ both chemical and sustainable practices to ensure your landscape remains vibrant and healthy. Our comprehensive approach addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of plant diseases, helping to restore and maintain the beauty of your property.

If you’re ready to take control of your landscape’s health and address plant disease concerns effectively, Monarch Landscape Management is here to help.

Looking for commercial landscape maintenance in Houston, TX? Get started by filling out our contact form so we can discuss how our tailored solutions can benefit your commercial property and keep it looking its best year-round. 

Get Started

Image Source: brown patch, powdery mildew

Written By: Monarch Landscape Management

Monarch Landscaping Logo White

1850 Hollister St.
Houston, Texas 77080
713.849.6600

TCEQ LI: 0009354     TDA: 0623492

Search The Site

© 2022 Monarch Landscape Management