Worried About Fungus In Your Lawn?

Every lawn gets brown spots here and there; some more visible than others… …but what causes them? Could it be lawn fungus or disease and will it kill your grass? Here are a few simple tips regarding lawn fungus and diseases that can creep into your turf during the later spring and summer.

Heavy amounts of spring rain mixed with temperatures in the high 70s and 80s set up the perfect breeding ground for many common lawn fungus problems. Stir in some humidity, and you have a very good chance of starting a ’science project’ under your lawn.

Common lawn fungus problems across most of the country are rust disease, red thread, summer patch, and dollar spot. The good new is, however, none of these will do major damage to your turf if you are willing to do a little work and change some of your habits, as well as allow your lawn care company to assist you.

Since we can’t control Mother Nature and her weather patterns, we need to make effective choices where we can control the outcome. Mowing high and watering consistently, but deeply and never at night are just 2 of the best ways to help control lawn diseases. In addition, you should bag or catch your lawn clippings when conditions are favorable for disease development.

There are also a number of granular fungicides available at your local home and garden center. These will work very well if applied before any sign or fungus or disease occurs. I always recommend homeowners apply fungicides in May and again in late June if warranted. Of course, you should always follow the directions on the product you are applying. If you can’t get to it, hire a lawn pro to do it for you.

Another important consideration is soil composition; specifically in regards to available nitrogen. Nitrogen in the soil will allow grass to grow quickly, thus recovering faster from disease pressure. Your lawn pro can help adjust fertilizer rates for you or apply the correct amounts when diseases are present in the turf.

Finally, we need to have a look at your lawn’s thatch layer. All lawns have thatch, which is the layer of dead grass, leaves and other stuff that sits right on the soil at the base of the grass plants themselves.

All lawns must have some thatch. When in the correct balance, the thatch layer provides protection for the turf roots and prevents soil erosion. However, when this layer becomes thicker than one-half-inch, it will work against you and harbor fungus. If this is the case, you need to get out and aerate your lawn now and again a few months later to help break it down.

Aeration is a mechanical process whereby cores of soil are removed from the lawn. During this process, holes are punched in the thatch layer, effectively reducing it without complete elimination. Your lawn care pro can aerate your lawn at any time during the year, as long as the machine can pull a good plug. This is typically in the spring and fall. If you are unable aerate your lawn and your thatch layer is very thick and spongy, it’s time to buy a rake and get to work! I never recommend power raking for a thatch problem unless it is severe.

Whatever you do, dont panic if you see a few brown spots popping up in your lawn. Turf grass is very forgiving and tends to recover from most anything. Lawn care doesnt have to be stressful. Just be sure to do your part with the mowing and watering and your lawn will stand up straight tall and green all year long.