Grass Fungus Prevention

Dethatching

• Lawn diseases can be avoided by properly managing thatch, according to North Dakota State University. Thatch is the brown spongy material that sits between the grass and soil. A build-up of more than 1/2 an inch can encourage lawn diseases, because it reduces air circulation. To check your thatch, cut out a 2-inch wedge of turf. Measure the thatch layer. Rent a power dethatcher or vertical slicer to rip through the grass to pull up the excess thatch.

Watering

• Giving your lawn too little or too much water causes an unhealthy grass with a high risk of contracting a disease, according to the University of California. Grass needs deep watering to maintain strong roots. The amount of water you apply to your lawn depends on the grass type. For example, St. Augustine grass needs 3/4 of an inch of water each week, while zoysia needs 1 1/2 to 2 inches a week. Set out tuna cans in the yard to help determine how much water is coming from sprinklers and rain. Measure the amount of water in the can to determine if your lawn needs more water.

Mowing

• Mowing will dull blades can cause fungal diseases. Dull blades wound grass and provide the best entryway fro harmful pathogens to enter. Sharpen your mower's blades before every growing season. Mow your lawn to its correct height. If your lawn has an existing fungal disease problem, avoid leaving your grass clippings over the lawn. In fact, try to remain clear of the fungal disease because foot traffic can spread diseases such as red thread, according to Cornell University Extension.

Fungicides

• Gardeners can manage annual fungal disease problems by applying a fungicide when temperatures favor the spread of a particular disease. Not all fungal diseases can be prevented or treated with fungicide. It is important to identify the disease before applying any type of fungicide on your lawn. Apply a preventative fungicide the following year if the disease has turned into an annual problem. Be sure that your lawn is well-watered before applying a fungicide, because you can harm the grass with the chemicals.