Round Spots of Dead Grass in My Lawn

Identification

• Turf grass is susceptible to dollar spot disease caused by Lanzia sp., Moellerodiscus sp. or Sclerotinia homeocarpa fungi. Fungal disease is favored during high humidity and temperatures of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Damage

• The disorder is characterized by the appearance of 1- to 5-inch round circles of dead areas on lawns. The spots gradually enlarge in size and more irregular in shape. Grass blades are water-soaked in earlier stages of disease and then start to brown. Red vertical bands appear on blades and fine, hairlike, white fungal threads are seen in the early morning.

Control

• Keep grass in vigorous health with adequate watering and fertilization. Top dress with compost to reduce chances of infection and dethatch lawns regularly. Avoid watering lawns during late afternoon or evening as the moist blades promote fungal growth.