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How To Rid Lawn Fungus

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Does Milk Kill Fungus

Stop Lawn Fungus From Growing in Your Lawn (4 Easy Steps)

Milk is an organic fungicide and can be very effective at killing powdery mildew. You can create a spray by mixing the following two ingredients:

  • 1 cup skimmed milk
  • 9 cups of water

Every other week, apply this mixture to the lawn. Using too much milk can result in sooty mould, so stick to the exact recipe.

Identifying Central Indianas Five Most Common Lawn Fungus

Knowing what type of lawn fungus you have is crucial for proper treatment and recovery of your lawn.

Red Thread

Red Thread is thin, red, needle-like strands extending from the grass blade. This is a LEAF disease and is caused by a NITROGEN deficiency. The affected areas will recover with the application of nitrogen. The disease can develop at any time of year, but most common in cool conditions, typically in the spring and fall, especially during long evening dew periods.

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I Have Mushrooms In My Lawn That Are In A Circle What Are These

These half circles of mushrooms/toadstools are known as fairy rings or pixie rings, says Amateur Gardening expert John Negus. They can be complete circles or arcs and are caused by fungus that feeds on the roots of grass causing browning. There may be lush green growth adjacent to the brown arcs or circles. The fungi is hidden below ground for most of the year, with the toadstools or mushrooms appearing in late summer and into fall. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to eradicate fairy rings and there are no chemical methods available.

To control Fairy ring fungus efficiently, dig out the affected dead grass to 3ft deep and 1ft 6in on either side of the ring. Then replace spoil with uncontaminated soil and then reseed or re-turf. This is a big job, with no guarantee of eradication, as the roots may have spread beyond the dead circle. If this is the route you choose to go down, there are lots of useful tips on how to plant grass seed and how to lay turf in our dedicated guides.

An easier and almost as effective alternative is to aerate the dead patch with a garden fork to a depth of 10in , then water it with dilute detergent to remove waterproof resins from the soil particles, continues John. Rain will then penetrate. Finally, scarify the area and overseed it with a lawn thickener blend. Hopefully, new growth will cover the bald ring and the disease wont recur.

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How Much Does Lawn Fungus Control Cost

Due to the need for specialty products, lawn fungus control costs more than your typical lawn care treatmentsmore specifically, about one and a half times what a normal lawn treatment would cost. For instance, if you typically pay $50 for a fertilization and weed control treatment, a fungicide treatment may come in around $75. This obviously changes based on the size of your lawn.

Because a lawn fungus problem can become costly after several repeated applications, your best course of action is to focus on prevention.

Eliminate White Spots On Grass For Good

How to Get Rid of Summer Lawn Fungus

Taking care of your lawn is always the best way to keep a fungus like powdery mildew from taking over your lawn. And if you do see white spots on grass blades, continuing proper care can help take them away. But if conditions are prime for powdery mildew growth, you might find yourself feeling lost. Dont worry instead, give Natural Green a call. We see these types of fungi and diseases in Maryland lawns all the time and can help you properly and quickly identify the problem and treat it, so it quickly disappears. Is powdery mildew making you see white sections in your lawn? Wed love to help. Get started today with a free quote. Together, well prepare a customized plan for your Central or Southern Maryland lawn so you can make an educated decision.

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Should I Get Professional Lawn Fungus Treatments

Yes, professional lawn fungus treatments will help remove your problem in a fraction of the time. Our professionals know how to maximize results and minimize how long you have to deal with dull, dying grass. Contact our team today and learn how to get the green, thriving lawn you’ve been dreaming of.

Could The Disease Actually Be A Pest Infestation

Many lawn diseases present in a similar way to pest infestations. For example, dollar spot looks similar to a chafer grub infestation. Read more about chafer grubs and eradicating them from your lawn soil.

Alternatively, dollar spot could be a leatherjacket infestation. Find out more about leatherjackets here.

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Treat Small Spots With A Baking Soda Solution

  • Baking soda, oil, and water could clear up brown patches. Combine 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil, and 1 gallon of water, and thoroughly mix them together. Load the solution into a garden sprayer and apply it directly to the patch in your lawn.XResearch source Reapply the baking soda every 3 days until the fungus disappears completely.XResearch source
  • Avoid using too much baking soda since it could increase the pH of your lawn.
  • Spray Neem Oil On Fungal Patches

    Lawn Care Tips : How to Remove Grass Fungus
  • Neem oil treats fungus and kills damaging pests. Visit your local garden center and buy a neem oil concentrate. Neem oil comes in different concentrations, so read the instructions on the bottle to see how much water you need to mix in.XResearch source Put the neem oil into a garden sprayer and mist the affected patch of your lawn in the morning. Spray the patches once every week until the fungus clears up.XResearch source
  • Mix the solution frequently while youre using it since oil and water separate over time.
  • Recommended Reading: Where To Buy Lawn Soil

    How To Prevent And Treat Lawn Fungal Diseases

    A simple change in your lawn care practices may be enough to prevent or eradicate lawn fungal disease. At other times nature may deliver a soggy spring or summer heat wave that just cant be helped.

    Stressed or unhealthy lawns are much more likely to develop disease so the better you care for your lawn, the better the grass will be able to handle the natural conditions in your area.

    Follow these steps to help take control of fungal diseases in your lawn:

    • Air Circulation: Many lawn fungi develop under moist, still conditions. Thin out trees and shrubs to allow air to circulate all over your lawn, and plant shade-tolerant grasses under trees.
    • Snow: Avoid walking on or compacting snow in your yard during the winter, since heavy snow layers can breed snow molds that emerge in spring.
    • Go Natural: If certain areas of your lawn are prone to fungal disease due to conditions you cant change, consider naturalizing the area with groundcovers or flower beds that will be better suited to those conditions.
    • Organic Treatment: Applying organic treatments such as neem oil, compost tea, or a weak baking soda solution can help with small patches of fungus.
    • Fungicides: If all else fails, look for a fungicide thats rated specifically for your lawn disease. Fungicides wont help your grass regrow, but theyll get the fungal spores in check so that your improved lawn care practices can take effect.

    How To Treat And Prevent Pythium Lawn Disease

    Pythium Blight is one of the most annoying lawn diseases because its so easy to prevent but hard-to-cure. You can do nothing about hot and humid weather, which makes this fungus very common in summer months when you might want your grass healthy again! In order not have pythies everywhere lurking under our feet , make sure that fertilizers are slow release avoid using quick fix ones with too much nitrogen for optimal growth ratesthose will only encourage more thrips development as well if there already was an infestation present before hand! For watering practices try watering long and sparingly , early in the day. This way, grass blades have a chance to dry out before nightfall. Aerate the soil to prevent thatch buildup and to loosen compacted, poorly draining soil. Fix your landscape and even out the turf to minimize areas where water might pool.

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    Lawn Fungus Identification Guide

    Leaf SpotSlime Mold

    After careful manicuring and fertilization of your lawn, the last thing you want to see are defects. When defects, like bare spots or yellowing, crop up, you may immediately think watering and fertilization is all you need. In some cases, though, youre dealing with a lawn disease caused by a fungal outbreak that requires more than just maintenance.

    In our list of common fungi-caused lawn diseases, youll learn how the fungi appear and what to do to eliminate and prevent them. Youll also learn whether the condition is harmful to your turf or not.

    Eliminate As Much Shady Space As Possible

    How to to Get Rid of Brown Patch Fungus on Grass

    Although it can be nearly impossible to eliminate everything from your yard that can cause an obstruction to the sun, cutting large branches and trimming down bushes will help reduce the fungi buildup that is normally associated with shady spots.

    Fungus thrives in moist, dark locations that typically dont see very much sunlight.

    Also Check: Is It Better To Water Lawn In Morning Or Evening

    Test Your Soil Before Adjusting Its Ph

  • Soil thats lower than 7.0 pH puts your lawn at risk. Get a home soil test at a gardening center and take a sample from your yard to test the pH. If the soil has 7.0 or higher, then its healthy and you dont have to make any changes to it. However, if it has somewhere around 6.26.7 pH, its too acidic and could lead to fungal growth. To raise the pH, load lime into a garden spreader and distribute it evenly across your yard.XResearch source
  • You can buy lime from your local gardening center or online.
  • Why Does My Lawn Have Brown Or Discolored Patches Of Grass

    You put hours into your lawn, doing everything you were told to do to make the grass green and lush. Youve aerated, fed, watered, and mowed, and everything looked great until suddenly, it didnt. Almost overnight, there are patches of dead grass. Or maybe some spots are an unusual color, or just look off somehow. Whatever the issue, its unsightly, and it looks to be spreading.

    Oftentimes, when a lawn develops problems like dead or discolored areas, the culprit is disease or lawn fungus. But before you give up and decide to just replace your lawn with artificial turf, you should know that your grass can be saved. By correctly identifying the problem, and applying the proper treatment, you can eradicate the disease and go back to enjoying a yard full of healthy grass.

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    How To Treat Lawn Fungus With Baking Soda

    Sodium bicarbonate or baking soda is another effective fungicide. It helps in destroying the fungal spores as it is an alkaline which disrupts the fungal cells ions. You can also use it as a preventative measure against fungi.

    However, be careful not to use too much baking soda as it can alter the pH levels of the soil. Simply mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one gallon of water. Spray the infected area for three days.

    How To Identify & Treat Lawn Fungus

    Lawn Fungus Cure – Brown Patch and Dollar Spot

    Grass, just like any plant, can be afflicted with fungal diseases. Fungal diseases spread through fungus spores that usually do nothing to grass. However, under the right conditions, these fungal pathogens can spread and cause disease.

    There isnt just one type of fungal disease, either: there are dozens, and some types of fungal disease are more common in some areas than others. For this reason, its important to understand what fungal infections can be hurting your grass, how they spread, and how to prevent them.

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    Are There Any Ways To Prevent A Lawn Fungus

    Always avoid overwatering and only water the grass when necessary. 1 inch of water every week should be enough for most lawns. Also try not to dry out your lawn as this can also make it prone to infections.

    Try to keep the grass at a desirable height and do not cut it too low. Try mowing one-third of the grass blades at a time.

    Remember to aerate the soil once every year to prevent the chances of soil becoming compacted.

    Another important tip is to water your lawn in the mornings, ideally from 6am to 10am. This ensures that the water is properly absorbed and that the sun comes out and dries it on time.

    Finally, choose the right grass type according to your soil, climate and light conditions. The ideal grass type will be stronger and better at fighting off diseases.

    Maintain A Healthy Lawn

    The healthier your lawn is to begin with, the easier it will be to prevent brown patches. Take care of your grass by giving it the nutrients and protection it needs to flourish year-round this includes consistent watering, mowing, fertilizing, and weed control.

    If youre busy with a job, a family, and a house to take care of, it may be in your best interest to hire a professional local lawn care company to take care of it for you throughout the entire year.

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    Mix The Grass Species

    If your lawn has one species of grass like St. Augustine, it is a vulnerability for fungal infestation and spread increases. Part of the remedy to controlling them is by mixing grass species. However, ensure the turf species youve chosen have similar growing conditions. For example, if you live in a region favoring the Kentucky Bluegrass growing conditions, mix it up with tall fescue or ryegrass.

    Common Causes Of Fungus In Grass

    How To Get Rid Of Lawn Fungus

    Fungal diseases and fungal growth typically occur in excessively moist conditions. Your lawn may become saturated with water due to a variety of reasons, such as:

    • Improper mowing
    • Compacted soil
    • Excess fertiliser

    Addressing these causes helps reduce the risk of fungal growth and protect against brown patches on lawns.

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    What Is Grass Fungus And How To Spot It

    Essentially, grass fungus diseases can strike your lawn in a number of forms. You could find dry, brown patches or rings and slimes in your yard. The fungus can attack the grass as well as the soil. You can easily identify grass fungus as there are some classic symptoms of the disease:

    • Look for any thin, frayed, distorted or discolored grass blades showing up in your lawn. You might also be be able to see the soil beneath them.
    • Brown, yellow, white patches, or rings in the grass
    • Check for discoloration on blades and stems.
    • Black, purple, gray, orange, or red spots on the grass can be a sign of leaf spot.
    • If you notice dark, slimy, greasy and wet looking grass, it probably indicates a grease spot infection.
    • Check if the grass is getting a black, pink, gray powdery or threadlike covering. This may be a sign of powdery mildew, red thread or pink patch.

    Signs Of Lawn Fungus Damage

    Naturally, your lawn is filled with fungi and spores. Some are beneficial as they add nutrients to your lawn, while others can be destructive. It takes susceptibility and a favorable environment for fungus to erupt in lawns. Watch out for the following signs if you suspect that your lawn has a fungal disease, not any other problem:

    • Darkened patches that look wet and slimy: Slime molds that cause can be found in almost all lawn soils. They may appear on decaying logs, mulch or fallen leaves. A lawn with excessive thatch is also likely to develop these molds.
    • Brown patches commonly found in cool-season grasses. A fungal infection starts off with yellowed leaf blades, which turn brown overtime.
    • Threadlike coatings on and around turfgrass blades, appearing gray, black or pink powdery.
    • White, yellow or brown patches or rings whose diameter increases over time especially if left untreated.
    • Grass blades with tattered patches.

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    Is Lawn Fungus Treatment Effective

    For the treatment to be effective, it is important that the person applying the treatment use the correct lawn fungus treatment. Contact fungicides do not penetrate the blades. Therefore, they must remain on the surface of the leaf blade for about 3-8 days to be effective. The primary purpose of contact fungicides is to form a barrier, which prevents fungus from entering the leaves, so it typically should be applied before the disease begins.

    Systemic fungicides will enter the grass blade and go to the roots so, they work from the inside out. This type of fungicide is longer lasting than contact fungicides. This kind of treatment does require watering for the fungicide to reach the roots. One of the main disadvantages with systemics is the chance the disease will develop a resistance to the fungicide.

    It is important to keep in mind that some fungicides can be dangerous to the environment. They can be especially dangerous if the user does not use it correctly. So, if you are not experienced with fungicides, it is a good idea to contact a local lawn care service. They will be able to evaluate the problem areas and apply the appropriate lawn fungus treatment.

    For more information on lawn fungus or to schedule an appointment for one of our technicians to evaluate and apply lawn fungus treatment to your lawn, contact our team at Think Green Lawn Service by calling 648-2556.

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