Chances are that at some point during the lawn care season, you will notice a few brown patches. Have you ever wondered what causes them? In many cases it could be a weather related fungus. Here are some basic tips for you to follow if you suspect your turf is being attacked by fungus.
It rains a lot in the spring right? And because of that, fungal problems abound. Throw in a few 70 degree days and some humidity and you are looking at a perfect breeding habitat for lawn disease.
Common lawn fungus problems across most of the country are rust disease, red thread, summer patch, and dollar spot. The good new is, however, none of these will do major damage to your turf if you are willing to do a little work and change some of your habits, as well as allow your lawn care company to assist you.
Since we can't control Mother Nature and her weather patterns, we need to make effective choices where we can control the outcome. Mowing high and watering consistently, but deeply and never at night are just 2 of the best ways to help control lawn diseases. In addition, you should bag or catch your lawn clippings when conditions are favorable for disease development.
Granular fungicides available at your local home center or from your lawn care treatment company will work to prevent a majority of disease problems, but timing is crucial. It is best to get an application down prior the onset of disease in the turf, meaning you should get some down in later May or early June if possible. A second granular fungicide application may also be required in July or August.
It is also a good idea to feed your lawn with plenty of nitrogen during times when lawn fungus pressure is high. Nitrogen helps the lawn grow, thus passing through any disease problems effecting it. If you are stumped by how much nitrogen to apply or what products to you, consult your local lawn care pro for advice.
The final step in ensuring minimum disease pressure in your lawn is to manage the thatch layer. Thatch is the layer of dead grass, leaves and other organic material that all lawns have just above the soil line, right at the grass plants crown.
All lawns must have some thatch. When in the correct balance, the thatch layer provides protection for the turf roots and prevents soil erosion. However, when this layer becomes thicker than one-half-inch, it will work against you and harbor fungus. If this is the case, you need to get out and aerate your lawn now and again a few months later to help break it down.
Lawn core aeration is a mechanical process whereby holes are poked into the thatch layer and down into the soil using a large machine. You can hire a lawn care company to aerate for you, or rent the machine yourself for around $40 per day. The optimum times of the year to aerate are spring and fall, but you can do it anytime or both. One last tip: never power rake your turf. This is called "de-thatching" and will remove 100% of the thatch layer and cause you bigger problems in the future.
The main thing to keep in mind is that most lawn disease problems are not really a big deal and you should not panic! A healthy lawn that is watered, mowed and fertilized properly will recover from just about anything thrown at it. Don't let your lawn stress you out! Instead, take care of it now, and it will stay healthy and green for years to come. - 16492
It rains a lot in the spring right? And because of that, fungal problems abound. Throw in a few 70 degree days and some humidity and you are looking at a perfect breeding habitat for lawn disease.
Common lawn fungus problems across most of the country are rust disease, red thread, summer patch, and dollar spot. The good new is, however, none of these will do major damage to your turf if you are willing to do a little work and change some of your habits, as well as allow your lawn care company to assist you.
Since we can't control Mother Nature and her weather patterns, we need to make effective choices where we can control the outcome. Mowing high and watering consistently, but deeply and never at night are just 2 of the best ways to help control lawn diseases. In addition, you should bag or catch your lawn clippings when conditions are favorable for disease development.
Granular fungicides available at your local home center or from your lawn care treatment company will work to prevent a majority of disease problems, but timing is crucial. It is best to get an application down prior the onset of disease in the turf, meaning you should get some down in later May or early June if possible. A second granular fungicide application may also be required in July or August.
It is also a good idea to feed your lawn with plenty of nitrogen during times when lawn fungus pressure is high. Nitrogen helps the lawn grow, thus passing through any disease problems effecting it. If you are stumped by how much nitrogen to apply or what products to you, consult your local lawn care pro for advice.
The final step in ensuring minimum disease pressure in your lawn is to manage the thatch layer. Thatch is the layer of dead grass, leaves and other organic material that all lawns have just above the soil line, right at the grass plants crown.
All lawns must have some thatch. When in the correct balance, the thatch layer provides protection for the turf roots and prevents soil erosion. However, when this layer becomes thicker than one-half-inch, it will work against you and harbor fungus. If this is the case, you need to get out and aerate your lawn now and again a few months later to help break it down.
Lawn core aeration is a mechanical process whereby holes are poked into the thatch layer and down into the soil using a large machine. You can hire a lawn care company to aerate for you, or rent the machine yourself for around $40 per day. The optimum times of the year to aerate are spring and fall, but you can do it anytime or both. One last tip: never power rake your turf. This is called "de-thatching" and will remove 100% of the thatch layer and cause you bigger problems in the future.
The main thing to keep in mind is that most lawn disease problems are not really a big deal and you should not panic! A healthy lawn that is watered, mowed and fertilized properly will recover from just about anything thrown at it. Don't let your lawn stress you out! Instead, take care of it now, and it will stay healthy and green for years to come. - 16492
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