Question:

Why has my well manicured lawn has been invaded by disease?

Irrigate Properly

When you water your lawn, water it only in the morning. The best time to water is between 6:00 and 9:00 am. Winds are usually low, temperatures are usually cool and the sun has not risen high enough to speed evaporation. Thus, the water percolates into the soil rather than evaporating (afternoon watering) or lying on the grass' surface (evening watering). Evening watering on a regular basis is asking for trouble. Fungi thrive on cool temps and moisture.

Good Drainage ...

Turf diseases can usually be traced to one of four causes--improper watering, poor drainage, improper mowing and over-fertilization. Poorly drained soils allow water to stand. Standing water then invites algal and some fungal pathogens to attack the lawn. Encouraging good drainage means building up the organic material in the soil and aerating regularly.

Lawn Fungi

Most lawn diseases are caused by fungi, a non-flowering plant that cannot produce its own food through photosynthesis. Thus, you will never see a green fungus. Green, slimy material is most likely an algal agent caused by overly moist, nutrient rich soils.

Turf Disease

Turf diseases can display symptoms that might be mistaken for other problems. Some diseases, such as take all patch, display the same symptoms as grub damage. If the grass does not have any roots and you do not see grubs in the soil, chances are good that take all patch is the cause. Certain diseases of St. Augustine and Fescue also resemble insect damage. Careful inspection of the soil, the roots, the stems and the leaves at the margin--the area bordering healthy grass--is the key to diagnosing the disease. Telltale signs of disease include yellowing leaves that detach easily from the sheath, blotchy or spotty leaves, greasy, slimy or moldy appearance, white or grey substance covering the stems or leaves, unusual rubbery or fleshy substance growing across the soil surface and a bad smell.

Incurable Problems

We've stressed good management, and you've followed that advice. You've properly followed a regimen of good mowing, watering and fertilization practice and the turf is performing. Then disaster strikes and a disease devastates the turf.

By definition, a high maintenance, high performance turf is a high cost and high risk turf. The more time and money you spend on the lawn, the more likely you are to face lawn disease. Lawns are monospecific cultures. A single variety or a single species of organism is living in a large area exposed to natural forces. Nature detests monospecificity as much as she detests a vacuum. While nature can be delayed and sometimes even thwarted with vigilance and good decision-making, sooner or later nature will have her way. Be prepared--if you spend a lot of time and money on the lawn, you'll have to spend a lot of effort repairing the damage.

Healthy Root Growth

Fertilizers that are high in nitrogen promote shoot growth. A lush, green canopy then invites disease. To promote healthy turf, promote root growth. Use complete fertilizers in recommended amounts. Promote soil tilth by amending the soil with organic matter, and water the lawn so that soil is moistened to the desired root depth.

Mushrooms

Science has since shown that the mushrooms are the manifestation of a massive fungus development, located near the soil surface. The fungus feeds on buried and decaying organic material. The fungus forms a hydrophobic (water proof) layer that prevents water and nutrients from reaching grass roots. The grass wilts and dies in an outwardly expanding circle, but often returns in the center. The center of the circle is usually greener than the rest of the grass, because the fungus completely breaks down that organic material, dies itself and makes all of the nutrients available for the grass. Some limited success has been gotten by performing a deep core aeration, followed by a drench of fungicide containing flutolanil or quartenary ammonium compounds. The deep plugging punches holes in the waterproof layer and this allows the fungicide to come into contact with enough of the fungus to control it. This doesn't always work, and it can be expensive and time consuming. Eventually, the fungus will break down all of the material in the soil and go away by itself. This can take anywhere from 1 to 8 years, depending on the amount of material it has to work with. The only other alternative is a massive excavation to remove all of the woody material in the soil.

Lawn Frequently Asked Questions

How should I water my lawn?

What are the DOīs and DONTīs of Lawn Care?

What kind of grass should I plant?

What is the best way to mow the lawn?

How do I get stripes like ballparks do?

Did You Know This?

What kind of weed is this? How do I get rid of it?

Why has my well manicured lawn has been invaded by disease?

What are some common lawn problems?

When do I aerate my lawn?

Do you have any tips for professionals?

Should I topdress the lawn?

What kind of bug is this? How do I get rid of it?

What are some common lawn problems?

How do I aerate my lawn?

Why is my grass not doing well?

How do I start a new lawn using seed?

How do I get rid of mushrooms?

How can I make the transition between driveway and entry more pleasant

How do I permanently rid my lawn of weeds?

How deep is the water table?

How do I fertilize my lawn?

How do I fertilize my lawn?

How do I treat a lawn disease?

Did you know?

What are some common lawn problems?

How do I get rid of moss?

What does aeration do?

Can I use Weed and Feed on my lawn?

How can I control the growth of my lawnīs grass?

What are the DO

Should I use Weed and Feed?

What is the best way to mow the lawn?

Why did my grass turn brown after I fertilized?

How do I fertilize my lawn?

Whatīs the best way to mow the lawn quickly?

Why is my grass not doing well?

Can I fertilize without adding a lot of chemicals?

How can I put a waterfall in my rock garden?

How do I treat a lawn disease?

Why isnīt my grass growing?

Can I analyze the soil with a kit?

When is the best time to plant trees?

Why should I mulch my clippings?

Which existing plants should I keep?

Can my property be too wet for a good lawn?

Is it best to plant trees before or after shrubs?

How can I test drainage?

What is hardpan?

Can I fertilize without adding a lot of chemicals?

Do I need a soil analysis?

How should I remove branches?

Do water plants need sun?

How should I plan my garden?

What are guidelines for where to plant a tree?

How do I prune a Douglas fir?

What seed should I plant for the best results?

Where do I start to prune a garden?

What does too much pruning do?

Where should I put my water garden?

What are the benefits of pruning?

Whatīs the best way to prune spruce trees?

Where can I get a soil analysis?

How do you remove soft growth from fruit trees?

How thick a branch will pruners trim?

What should I look for when buying loppers?

What tools do I need for pruning?

How do you prund lilacs?

How do you prune lilacs?

How do you prune evergreens?

How can i reduce landscape maintenance?

What material should I use for my pond?

How do I control grubs?

What are good pruning shears?

Why bother to prune plants?

What can I do about sandy soil?

How can I prevent fungus in a shady garden?

Why did my grass turn brown after I fertilized?

Should I build a large or small pool?

Where should I put my pool?

Why are there more fungi in the shady parts of the garden?

How much should I water a shade garden?

How can I prevent plant fungi?

How does pruning keep trees healthy?

What soil should I use for shade gardening?

What advantages are there to shade gardening?

What is next after planting cedars for a hedge?





Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Lawn Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!


Guru Spotlight
Alexis Niki