The Lawn Fungus Among Us
Lawn fungus not only looks bad in your lawn, but it also compromises the health of your grass. It usually thrives in warm, moist environments and can be spurred on by poor drainage, overwatering, or using too much fertilizer.
“Morning is a great time to check your lawn. Go out, look around, and look specifically at brown areas. If you see fuzzy areas. You have a fungus that can spread.” Desmond Corn, Berger Hargis Sales Representative. Here are some common types of lawn fungus and tips for managing them.
Common Types of Lawn Fungus
Dollar Spot
Characterized by small, round patches of brown or straw-colored grass. It usually affects grass in hot, humid weather.
Brown Patch
Appears as large, circular brown patches in the lawn, often with a yellow halo around the edges.
Powdery Mildew
A white, powdery coating on grass blades, often caused by high humidity and lack of air circulation.
Fairy Rings
Circular patches of lush, dark green grass, sometimes with mushrooms in the center.
How to Treat Lawn Fungus
The first step is to focus on both preventative measures and targeted treatments. Regular maintenance like proper watering, mowing, and fertilization can help prevent fungal diseases. For active infections, consider using fungicides (either chemical or natural) and adjusting your lawn care practices to minimize fungal spread.
Improve Drainage
Avoid water pooling and creating a moist environment for fungi. Proper drainage is key.
Water Correctly
Water early in the morning to reduce moisture buildup at night. Watering at night will often promote fungal growth.
Mow Regularly
Keep your lawn mowed at about 4 inches tall for growth and airflow.
Use Fungicide
Apply fungicides if the problem persists. There are specific types for different fungi, so be sure to choose the right one for your issue. When using chemical fungicides, use a broad spectrum. Some people claim that natural fungicides, such as baking soda or white vinegar mixed with water, work well.
Aerate the Lawn
Aerating helps improve airflow to the soil and can prevent the buildup of excess moisture.
Thatch Management
Remove excessive thatch buildup, which can harbor fungal spores.
Reseed with Resistant Varieties
Choose grass types known for their resistance to common lawn diseases.
Fertilize Properly
Over-fertilizing can encourage fungus growth. Make sure you follow the recommended fertilization schedule for your lawn.
If you’re dealing with a particular type of fungus or need more specific advice, feel free to ask!
Reduce Foot Traffic
Avoid walking on the affected areas, especially when the grass is wet.
Clean Your Equipment
Clean lawn care tools after each use to prevent spreading the fungus.
Remove Organic Debris
Rake up leaves, twigs, and other organic matter that can feed the fungus.
How Can We Help You?
Berger Hargis has a company philosophy of providing personal excellence for all our services. Our growth and success have been due entirely to our commitment to honest, excellent customer service. The company has been built on the referral business we have received due to this philosophy.
We work with residential customers and businesses in Central Indiana. If you have any questions about your fungus or your lawn, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us.
About the Author
Randy Clark is a speaker, coach, and author. He publishes a weekly blog at Randy Clark Leadership.com. Randy is passionate about social media, leadership development, and flower gardening. He’s a beer geek, and on weekends he can be found fronting the Rock & Roll band Under the Radar. He’s the proud father of two educators; he has four amazing grandchildren and a wife who dedicates her time to helping others. Randy is the author of the Amazon bestseller The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management.
If you enjoyed this article, you might appreciate this post, Controlling Grubs in Your Lawn.
If you’d like to learn more here’s an excellent article from Purdue Extension, Turf Disease Profiles.
Photo by Desmond Corn
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