Last updated: 09/01/2021
Estimated read time: 2.5 minutes
No matter which variety of turf grass covers your yard, chances are that it’s vulnerable to Dollar Spot. This common lawn disease targets just about every popular lawn grass and flourishes across the Mid Atlantic. While it may sound inevitable that dollar spot disease is coming for your grass, there’s plenty you can do to keep it at bay.
What is Dollar Spot?
Dollar spot lawn disease is easy to confuse with brown patch. Both conditions cause areas of discolored, dead-looking grass distributed in circular patterns across your lawn. The easiest way to differentiate between the two is that Dollar Spot causes much smaller discolored areas, roughly the size of a silver dollar. Like brown patch, dollar Spot is caused by a fungus that can spread rapidly across your lawn if ideal conditions arise.
How to Prevent Dollar Spot
Preventing dollar spot is much easier than treating it. This characteristically stubborn fungus resists many treatment methods but can be kept at bay with a few simple DIY techniques, including:
- Proper watering technique: Dollar spot thrives in conditions with excessive moisture. Good watering practices can keep it away for years. Infrequent but heavy watering conducted regularly is shown to prevent the fungus from taking hold while still providing grass with the water it needs.
- Lawn aeration: Similarly to proper watering, lawn aeration can drastically reduce excess moisture in your soil and on your lawn. From reducing standing water levels to easier absorption through your grass’ roots, quality lawn aeration is one of the best defenses available when fighting dollar spot fungus.
- Careful mowing: Mowing your lawn to the correct height has a stimulating effect on grass, causing its roots to grow deeper and leading to a healthier plant that can fight off fungal infections. Additionally, not allowing fresh grass clippings to decompose on your lawn will reduce both moisture and humidity levels.
- Seasonal fertilization: The application of nitrogen-rich fertilizer to your lawn in late spring will significantly curb the severity of the fungus’ effects by fortifying your grass with the nutrition it needs.
How to Treat Dollar Spot
Once an infestation sets in, Dollar Spot can be challenging to treat. We recommend approaching the fungus on two fronts—specifically, fertilization, and fungicide. Application of an approved fungicide can kill the spores and prevent further spread, while careful fertilization will help your grass out-compete the invading fungus. Of course, this should be done carefully and by a trained professional, as over-fertilization can cause the fungus to spread more aggressively! Our team of experts is here to help. To learn more about how Blades of Green can help, contact us today! And remember—while effective treatment options are available, preventative maintenance is your most powerful tool to protect your lawn from Dollar Spot this summer.
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