When you think of common threats to your lawn, fungus probably isn’t at the top of your list. After all, most lawns turn brown because of dehydration or pests. Nonetheless, fungal disease is a very real problem that can kill an otherwise healthy lawn.
So, what steps can you take to protect your lawn from fungus?
Identify Fungal Disease
Do you know what fungal disease looks like? There are several different types of fungal disease, each of which has its own unique characteristics.
Normally, however, common signs that a lawn is infected with fungus include patches of discoloration (white, yellow, gray or black in color), as well as a powder-like coating covering the top of the grass.
Don’t Overwater Your Lawn
Water is essential for a healthy lawn, but too much increases the risk of fungal disease. This is particularly true when there’s minimal sunlight to evaporate ground moisture.
When a lawn becomes saturated – and the water doesn’t evaporate – it creates the perfect environment for fungus and mold to thrive.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that you should avoid watering your lawn. Rather, only water it when it actually needs watering.
Monitor and Adjust pH Level
You can also reduce the risk of fungal disease by monitoring the soil’s pH level and adjusting it as needed. When the soil is too alkaline, fungus can thrive.
You can use either an electronic testing device or a disposable testing strip to check the pH level of your soil. If it’s too alkaline, consider adding an acidic fertilizer to balance it out.
Not only will this protect your lawn from fungal disease, but it can also encourage plants and grass to grow.
Remove Debris
Yard waste, such as leaves and branches, should be cleaned and removed promptly to reduce the risk of fungal disease. While leaving this debris scattered across your lawn may seem harmless enough, it encourages fungus to thrive because of its moist environment.
Even if it doesn’t rain, moisture vapor in the air will settle on the debris, at which point it’s absorbed. As a result, the leaves and branches create a moist environment that’s the perfect breeding grounds for fungus.
Fungicide
If you happen to see patches of fungal disease in your lawn, use a fungicide spray to treat the affected area. Propiconazole is a common and effective ingredient found in many store-bought fungicides. You can also make your own using vinegar and dish soap.
The Woodsman Company offers tree planting, tree pruning and shrub trimming, tree removal and stump grinding as well as a tree wellness program.
If we can help with any of your tree care needs give us a call at 512-846-2535 or 512-940-0799 or
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