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.
It rains a lot in the spring right? And because of that, fungal problems abound. Throw in a few 70 degree days and some humidity and you are looking at a perfect breeding habitat for lawn disease.
You may have already researched the more common lawn fungal problems in your area. Some of these are rust, summer patch, red thread and dollar spot, just to name a few. On a positive note, these common fungal problems rarely cause long term turf damage. Most can be cleared up with a few adjustments to your normal maintenance practices. In addition, you should consult your local turf pro should the fungus problem persist or worsen.
We can’t control the weather, but we can make adjustments in spite of it. The primary cultural practices that homeowners should be aware of are watering and mowing. Mow tall and catch clippings during humid conditions, and always water your lawn deeply, consistently and never at night.
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.
Soil nitrogen is also an important factor in keeping lawn diseases to a minimum. Proper amounts of nitrogen allow grass to basically, “grow through” the fungus problems before they become a problem. You lawn care provider can adjust the rates on the fertilizer he is using for you according to the disease pressure and type present in your lawn.
Lastly and most importantly is the thatch layer in the turf. Thatch is that layer of organic matter that floats just above the soil line in the lawn.
Thatch is good for lawns when in proper proportion. A good thatch layer will shade the grass roots during the hot summer and also help control evaporation of water in the soil. However, a thick thatch layer will act as a breeding ground for disease and fungus. I recommend if your thatch layer is thicker than half-inch, you have your lawn aerated immediately.
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.
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