My lawn has a fungus—what can I do about it?
If you have noticed yellowing, browning, or thinning grass, you may have a fungus.
What causes a fungus?
Fungus thrives during periods of prolonged moisture, humidity and temperatures above 75 degrees. Thatch deeper than 1/2 inch has a severe impact, too. Additionally, some grass plants are more susceptible than others.
What can I do about it?
- Allow your turf to dry thoroughly between waterings.
- Provide proper drainage or eliminate low, wet areas in the lawn.
- Mow your lawn less frequently, higher, and with a sharp blade.
- Plan a fall aeration if thatch is over 1/2 inch thick.
- Treat lawn with a fungicide.
What can I expect from a fungicide treatment?
Dowco uses products that will prevent spread of the disease and provide control for 7–21 days depending upon pressure from the pathogen and climatic conditions. Some brown spots may remain. (Please note, you may need more than one application to combat the disease.) These applications are priced at $10.00 per 1000 sq. ft. with the minimum price being $66.00 per application.
What if I don’t apply fungicides?
The fungus will run its course and destroy areas of turf that will need to be seeded. The decision is: Apply fungicides early and as needed, or plan to seed this fall, after the disease has run its course.
When do I seed?
Large areas of browned out turf will require fall seeding. No matter what our local papers say, spring is NOT the time to seed. A fall seeding will enable you to crowd out weeds with established turf. If you are planning to seed straight bluegrass, do so between August 15th and September 15th.
For additional information visit the University of Missouri’s Outreach and Extension Turf grass Disease Diagnostics website.
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