Lawn Diseases

Lawn Diseases are very common to new or established lawns. Most lawn diseases starts with a fungus. Fungi propagate by distributing spores in their surrounding area which are  picked up by wind or animals and distributed in other locations.

Diagnoses is very important and needs to be done in time to prevent infections. Often the signs of infections are evident and the fungus that causes the infection is already out of control. Most lawn diseases can be prevented through regular lawn care. You will find that most fungus spores lie dormant until conditions are right for them to grow and infect your lawn. Fungus spores need warm and humid temperatures, a moist environment, a source of nutrition and a susceptible host (your lawn is the perfect candidate).

You should water your lawn deeply and infrequently to deprive fungus of the humid and damp environment it needs. Deep and infrequent watering encourages your turf to sink deeper roots (which will also avoid infections). Only water your lawn when the surface soil is dry to your touch and then water to a depth of two to three inches. You can measure how much water your lawn is getting by placing a tuna can in a corner of your garden. Also try to schedule irrigation in the morning to give excess water a chance to evaporate.

Heavy thatch layers that are over ½ inch thick hold both heat and moisture and therefore provide fungus with a ready supply of nutrients. Thatch also slow down drainage and blocks the airflow your lawn needs to thrive. By keeping your lawn at least 2 ½ inches  high and cutting no more than ⅓ of the height when you mow, you will be able to control thatch growth.

Inspect your lawn for disease when mowing each time. Lawn diseases such as “Fairy rings”, “frog-eyes”, brown patches, etc.are irregularities that may signify the beginning of a problem. Inspect your lawn, dig up and take samples of the infected area to your  a recognized lawn care professional before buying any remedy products.

Controlling active fungus is truly a case where “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. because many strains of fungus quickly develop a resistance to the best fungicides. Make sure you only plant disease resistant grass hybrids whether beginning a new lawn or reseeding patches of an old one.

In taking proper precaution you should have a beautiful lawn all year round!

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