In maintaining your yard, one of the things you have to look out for is lawn fungus. If not treated immediately and properly, it may cause damage to your lawn. Hence, early detection is essential. Listed here are the most common fungus infections and their signs.
Leaf spot
Grasses struck with leaf spots will have oval spots with brown centers. The crowns and roots will develop dark brown rot spots, causing grasses to thin and eventually die. Compact soil may increase the chances of having leaf spot diseases. To prevent this, remember to aerate your soil. Consider also lowering the amount of nitrogen in your fertilizer. Lastly, don’t mow too short.
Gray leaf spot
Gray leaf spot commonly affects tall fescue grass and perennial ryegrass. Lawn fungus of this type appears in small, irregular patches that grow and join together. Grass blades also develop bleached spots with brown edges. These spots turn gray when watered. Moderately high temperatures with high precipitation will promote this fungal disease development. More so if there is poor air circulation, overfertilizing, overwatering, and excess in the shade.
Dollar spot
Its name comes from the appearance of silver dollar-sized circles. They can spread up to 6 inches wide and merge into large, irregular blocks. Look for grass that develops spots that look water-soaked. Mid-to-warm temperatures will promote the development of this disease. Be wary of under-fertilizing, drought stress, and excessive moisture as this may make your grass susceptible to dollar spot disease.
Melting out
This lawn fungus disease is common in lawns with significant thatch presence. When affected, grass blades will have brown spots that will rapidly spread down to the crown. Once it reaches the crown, the grass will die. The brown patches will continuously grow in size as long as the fungus remains.
Necrotic ring spot
Another disease caused by too much thatch is the necrotic ring spot. You will notice reddish-brown rings and black threads on the crown of the grass. It is most likely to appear in spring or fall. To prevent this, use a fertilizer with a low amount of nitrogen.
Rust
You can easily spot this lawn fungus for the yellow specks, which resemble rust. Look also for orange-red pustules, which may cover your grass blades. It may be more common in mild to moderately warm temperatures. To prevent this, monitor the shade your lawn is getting. Too much of it will make the grass more prone. Also, be sure to give an appropriate amount of fertilizer.
Pythium
The appearance of blackened blades characterizes Pythium. The leaves look greasy and tend to stick together. It attacks perennial ryegrass, bentgrasses, bluegrasses, and fine fescue. Those who live in warm and humid temperatures should be vigilant for this type of disease. Compacted soil, along with excess shade, fertilizer, and water, will make your lawn prone to Pythium.
Red thread
The red thread will cause your grass blades to wither from the tips. It may also develop red patches and red spores noticeable around the area affected. The red thread is common in areas with cool and wet conditions. This fungus prefers perennial ryegrass, bluegrasses, and bentgrasses as its hosts.
Snow mold
From the name itself, this lawn fungus attacks in winter, especially under snow cover. When affected, your grass will have small, pinkish spots. The grass blades will turn red-brown, then tan. Snow mold usually affects tall and fine fescues. Be sure to have proper drainage and the right amount of shade to prevent this disease. Consider also the amount of nitrogen in the fertilizer you are using. Too much of it may make your lawn more prone.
Brown patch
This lawn fungus is characterized by circles of aquatic grass that may vary up to 3-feet wide. Grass blades also turn dark and die, which leaves the circle’s perimeter with the color gray. Grasses in warm to hot weather conditions are more prone to this fungal disease. Also, overfertilizing and excess water may worsen the situation. Commonly affected by brown patch lawns are Bermuda grass, tall fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass.
Summer patch
The summer patch comes from lawn fungus that thrives in too high temperatures. It is common among Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues. Perennial ryegrass and bentgrasses are also targets. Dark brown fungal threads characterize it. Check out your healthy-looking grasses. They may look healthy in the centers, but the tips will be tan-colored. There are things to consider. Also, look out for specific organisms that may damage your area. One of these is lawn fungus. Although it sounds threatening, it is curable. And one way to get the right treatment is to know what type of fungal disease it is first.
