Question
Hi, I have a tall fescue blend that I bought from seedsuperstore.com and is supposed to be the top 5 varieties from the latest trials.  I experienced some brown patches last summer quite a bit with little to no change when I added a fungus control agent (can't remember the brand but it was either spectracide or ortho I think).  I'm starting to see some of these patches already and wanted to know how to stop it and prevent more from coming.  I only fertilized once so far this year because I heard nitrogen promotes it.  Also, I am only watering once a week for about 10 minutes with an inground sprinkler system.  The hot and humid nights will probably exacerbate things so is there a chemical that is proven against this stuff?  Should I consider a different disease to fight altogether since last years attempts to control "brown patch" failed?  Many thanks in advance.  I can e-mail pictures if needed.
Regards,
Steve

Answer
Steve:
It appears that you have started a regime of control and understand the mitigating factors for this fungus.  I would watch water applications if nights are humid and only water when your lawn tells you to.
A possibly helpful site is:
http://www.american-lawns.com/problems/sick_lawns.html
where benomyl and chlorothanomil are recommended.  The disease may take several applications to control.  If there is wood residue under the turf (old stumps or limbs) the treatment may take longer.  Once controlled, a regular maintenance schedule may be resumed - fertilization and watering.
Best of luck.