Brown Spots in Bermuda Lawns?

(This one is for those of you who prefer warm season grasses.)

Every spring, some Bermuda lawns (especially those planted with hybrid varieties) are dotted with brown areas. This is the result of Spring Dead Spot (SDS).

Young Bermuda lawns (less than 3 years) have some resistance to the condition, and these lawns are affected much less than older, established lawns.

Even though symptoms of SDS show up in the spring, the disease starts in the fall when cool, wet conditions are common. The brown spots are often the size of dinner plates, but will run together resulting in large, irregular dead areas.

What can you do?
It is difficult to control spring dead spot, although keeping thatch in check through regular aerations may aid in prevention.