Lawn Fungus
How to Rid Your Yard of Lawn Fungus
Many lawn fungus issues can be effectively prevented by a good fungicide and proper maintenance. Both methods are important in preventing the growth of lawn fungi.
If your yard is healthy, it can more effectively fight off enemies like insects, weeds and fungi. Keeping your yard trimmed at a proper level and providing ample water without over-watering will help fight lawn fungus and other issues.
Most diseases of plants grow best under specific conditions that include temperature and moisture. That's why brown patch and other lawn disorders mainly occur in certain seasons. You also don't want to make matters worse by mowing too close or leaving the grass too long, or by haphazard fertilizer application or inadequate or over-watering.
Many people and lots of businesses water at night. This is the worst time to water your grass. It leaves hours of cooler temps in which lawn fungus can take hold and prosper. Water your yard in the early mornings, so that your yard has the whole day to dry. Watering just a bit every day is also not effective in preventing lawn fungus. This will create weaker roots, and weaker plants have more difficulty in fending off lawn pests. Check your lawn and water when it needs it, not by any other pre-determined time.
You can also cause a lot of problems by applying fertilizer in an incorrect manner or at incorrect times. Fertilizers are high in nitrogen, and this feeds lawn fungus. Never use this type of product until your garden store expert recommends that you use it. (This should be a helpful gardener, not someone looking to boost their sales.)
Any grass is vulnerable to lawn fungus when you push for increased growth by applying nitrogen. If you mow and water properly and you still have fungus issues, use a fungicide at low levels when you apply a high nitrogen fertilizer.
If you're looking for a good weed prevention program with less of a risk for creating a lawn fungus habitat, use a pre-emergent herbicide and then follow up in later days and weeks with a weed and feed product.
Many people watch their lawn as spring begins, and they misinterpret scars from last year's problems as new lawn fungus. To determine if your damage is caused by current or previous issues, mark the problem areas with sticks or turf paint. Then check the size for several days and if they don't get larger, they're probably from older problems.
Fungicides prevent most lawn fungus forms from attacking your yard. If you discover that you do have a current fungus problem, apply fungicides at higher rates and more often. If you catch a lawn fungus early and treat it, you might just be saving your yard.