Lawn Disease Treatment

Identification

• Fungal diseases in lawn grass produce symptoms such as spots on grass, patches of yellow or dead grass, frogeye spots and a colored fungus on grass blades. Since fungal diseases are favored by moisture, excess irrigation is a primary cause of disease development.

Cultural Control

• Good cultural control practices are often an effective lawn disease treatment method. Use light, frequent watering early in the day so the grass dries out completely. Applying fertilizer is often beneficial, but those high in nitrogen content should not be used on lawn grass in the spring. Use only light applications during the spring and summer months to keep grass green and healthy. Mowing your grass during the fall will reduce the likelihood of fungal diseases on thick mats of grass, especially after snowfall.

Chemical Control

• Applying fungicides reduces certain fungal disease symptoms, but are most effective if applied when symptoms are minor. Contact your local extension office for advice on the type of fungicide that would be the most beneficial for your lawn.