The hot, humid conditions along with the afternoon and evening showers we face in the Southeast during spring and summer are extremely conducive to fungus activity.

Does your lawn show signs of any of these problems? If so, click HERE to find out more about Dorsey's Landscaping's Fungicide Programs.

BROWN PATCH:

Brown patch can be recognized by the development of irregular, circular areas a few inches to several feet in diameter. These areas will usually appear as brownish to grayish patches that can spread rapidly throughout a fescue lawn when humid, warm, moist conditions exist. Excessive nitrogen levels, watering during the afternoon and early evening, heavy thatch layers, infrequent mowing, and a dull mower blade all make fescue more susceptible to brown patch fungus.  Proper watering and mowing practices can help reduce the risk of brown patch, but in most cases, fungicide treatments will be necessary for effective control.

Dollar spot appears in Bermuda and Zoysia lawns as round, brown to straw-colored areas from one to several inches in diameter. It usually starts out about the size of a silver dollar, thus the name "dollar" spot. Low soil moisture, heat stress from walkways and driveways, poor mowing practices, compact soil and weak root systems all promote dollar spot activity. Core aeration to relieve compaction, proper cultural practices, and fertilization will help to reduce the occurrence of dollar spot.

Leaf spot occurs during warm weather and can by easily recognized by spots on the leaves that appear as purplish-red to purplish-brown borders and brown to tan centers. The spots may be as wide as the leaf and somewhat longer than wide. Leaf spots may cause the death of leaf tips, and can also attack the crown and basal parts of the grass plant. Proper watering and mowing, maintaining proper turf density, and fungicide treatments will help to protect the lawn from leaf spot fungus. 

Rust mostly affects Bermuda and Zoysia lawns. Turf that is infected with rust will turn light green and then begin to have an orange or reddish cast to the turf. The orange powder is actually millions of microscopic spores that can rub off on fingers, shoes, or clothing. Infected leaves can wither and die. Consecutive overcast days with temperatures in the 70's, lawns with low fertility, and heavy dew formation are conditions favorable to rust development. The best method of control for rust is proper mowing practices and fertilization. Fungicides can be used, but normal cultural practices will generally control it.

Fairy rings are most commonly caused by mushroom fungi and low soil fertility. The first sign of a fairy ring may be a ring of mushrooms followed by rings of darker grass with an inside border of dead grass. Proper mowing and fertilization will help control fairy rings. Deep, frequent watering and core aeration can also help. Fungicides will help to eliminate the symptoms, but will not correct the problems causing fairy rings.