How to Prevent Lawn Fungus this Summer
There are plenty of reasons why lawns lose their luscious green color or healthy look. While it may just need more water, one of the leading causes of subpar appearance is lawn fungus. Lawn fungus can wreak havoc on any lawn. There are often signs or symptoms that lawn fungus is present, but occasionally you may not be aware that there is a problem. Or you may be focused on other potential causes of concern like insects and pests, that you don’t take notice. The best thing you can do is learn how to prevent lawn fungus, so you don’t unknowingly encourage it.
Types of Lawn Fungus
There are more than a dozen different type of lawn fungus to be aware of, depending on the season and temperature. A few common ones in New Jersey include:
- Red Thread: The most prevalent type of fungus looks like dying patches of grass with reddish fibers in it. This fungus is caused by low levels of nitrogen in soil and most often appears between April and mid-June.
- Fairy Ring: A fungus that leaves ring formations on your lawn in the way of dark green circles, dead grass, and sometimes brown mushrooms. It is typically found near tree stumps or thatch.
- Brown Patch: These areas range between a half and two feet in diameter and are light brown.
- Dollar Spot: Appears in one to six-inch circular patches that start dark and turn to straw color before dying.
- Rust: Heavy dew and warm, moist weather cause rust fungus. It varies in color from light green to yellow and brown grass.
- Grease spot or Pythuym Blight: This fungus starts small with grass appearing dark or greasy before changing to light brown.
If you notice any of these lawn fungus signs, contact a lawn service professional for advice and treatment plan options.
Causes of Lawn Fungus
Several factors that can cause or encourage lawn fungus including:
- Temperatures
- Over or under fertilization
- Watering habits
- Unseasonal heavy rainfall
How to Prevent Lawn Fungus
Once lawn fungus takes over your yard, it becomes a costly project and difficult to fix. Some lawn fungus can destroy vast amounts of grass in less than 24 hours. The best thing homeowners can do is take steps to prevent the problem before it becomes an issue.
- Don’t Overwater
As tempting as it may be to continually water your lawn in summer months, overwatering it can cause rapid growth of fungus. If you do water your yard, it is best it to water it in the early morning hours, between 2am and 6am, so the excess moisture is evaporated when the sun rises.
- Don’t over- fertilize
Fertilizer adds nitrogen to your grass creating a dense landscape. Thick areas of grass make it easy for spores to spread rapidly. If you want to continue fertilizing your yard, it is best to consult with lawn care specialists and inquire about using a fungicide.
- Preventative Treatments
If your yard is susceptible to lawn fungus, preventative treatments is a great way to keep diseases away and maintain your beautiful yard. Contact a local lawn services company in Northern New Jersey to establish a care plan for your grass.
Perennial Lawn Care offers customizable programs to meet homeowner’s lawn needs, including preventing lawn fungus. Contact our office today to schedule your free inspection.
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