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LANDTECH
DOLLAR SPOT FUNGUS
Dollar spot fungus will appear as small bleached spots within patches of dead grass. The spots are about the size of a dollar coin, and can grow up to 6” in diameter. They can also appear fuzzy in morning dew. Like any fungus, dollar spot grows when the grass blades are exposed to long periods of wetness. This can be from overwatering, humid conditions, or overcast weather. Turf that is stressed from drought is most susceptible. Because of this, dollar spot is commonly seen in turf that has had periods of excessive watering to recover from recent drought conditions.
The first step to eradicating dollar spot is to adjust your irrigation. Verify your watering times are running between 12am-6am so the grass has adequate time to dry out. Also, thinning nearby trees, removing excessive/crowded plants will reduce the humidity around the grass and improve airflow. Finally, removing thatch build up will prevent turf from holding too much water, and will also contribute to improved airflow.
There are chemical options to combat Dollar Spot as well. However, the fungus that causes dollar spot can quickly develop resistance to the fungicides used to treat it. Because of this, a rotation of fungicides should be used, including systemic and contact varieties.
In conjunction with proper landscaping practices and chemical applications, our trusty friend Nitrogen can encourage a speedy recovery for your turf! When applied properly, Nitrogen can event help prevent this patchy fungus.
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