What It Is, Why It Happens, and What You Should (and Shouldn’t) Do About It

If your Bermuda grass lawn in Burleson is yellowing or looking weak in May or June, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with Bipolaris fungus—a common but often misunderstood lawn disease in North Texas.

Bipolaris is easy to misdiagnose, and treating it the wrong way can make it worse. The good news? In most cases, it clears up without chemicals—if you handle it properly.

What is Bipolaris?

Bipolaris is a fungal disease that affects Bermuda grass, especially during warm, humid weather combined with excess moisture from rain or irrigation. It often shows up in late spring (May–June), when lawns are still recovering from winter dormancy and temperatures start climbing.

Official resource:

🔗 Texas A&M Bermudagrass Disease Guide

Symptoms of Bipolaris in Bermuda Grass

Typical signs include:

  • Yellowing turf in patches or streaks
  • Turf appears weak or thin, especially in low-lying or shaded areas
  • No improvement after fertilization
  • Grass looks like it’s “stalling” instead of fully greening up

These symptoms are most common when Bermuda grass is:

  • Overwatered in spring (March–May)
  • Mowed too tall (above 1.5”)
  • Exposed to warm, humid weather

What Causes Bipolaris?

Bipolaris develops when multiple stress factors overlap:

  • Overwatering or early-season irrigation
  • Warm temperatures and high humidity
  • Poor air circulation or thatch buildup
  • Mowing too tall, which promotes weak, lush growth that holds moisture
  • Low potassium (K) levels in the soil

⚠️ Mowing Bermuda grass too tall—especially above 1.5 inches—can directly contribute to Bipolaris. Taller grass creates a dense, humid environment near the soil surface, which promotes fungal activity.

➡️ Always mow hybrid Bermuda at 1.5” or below for optimal disease resistance and turf health.

Recommended Treatment Protocol

Contrary to what many lawn services might suggest, fungicide isn’t always necessary. Here’s the typical protocol used when Bipolaris is present:

✅ Step 1: Stop Supplemental Watering

Shut off irrigation if Bipolaris is active. Spring rainfall is typically enough, and continued watering will worsen the problem.

🟡 Step 2: Let It Run Its Course

Once the weather dries out and irrigation is paused, Bipolaris usually clears up on its own. Bermuda is resilient and will bounce back with proper care.

🔬 Step 3: Soil Testing (If Needed)

If recovery is slow or turf stress is high, a soil test can confirm potassium levels, which can be a contributing factor.

🧪 Step 4: Targeted Treatment (Only When Necessary)

For severe cases:

  • Apply Armada fungicide to control active disease
  • Apply ½ pound of potassium per 1,000 sq ft if soil test confirms deficiency

How to Prevent Bipolaris in Burleson Lawns

  • Avoid watering in March and April unless drought-stressed
  • Mow Bermuda at 1.5” or lower—never taller
  • Power rake or dethatch in early spring to improve airflow
  • Maintain balanced fertility, especially potassium
  • Use our Watering Guide for Burleson Lawns (PDF) to avoid overwatering

Final Thoughts

Bipolaris often looks worse than it is. In most cases, it’s a sign of overwatering, poor mowing habits, or a nutrient imbalance. With a few simple adjustments—especially turning off irrigation and mowing at the correct height—your Bermuda grass will recover naturally.

“Our program won’t fix poor cultural practices, but we will give you the most accurate diagnosis—without the guesswork.”

📞 Call 1-800-LAWNCARE or visit uglyweeds.com to schedule a lawn evaluation or soil test today.

Bipolaris disease in Burleson Texas Lawn