Every lawn, whether new or established, is susceptible to a
variety
of lawn diseases. Most lawn disease starts with a fungus. Fungi are an
oddity because they dont set seeds; instead, they propagate by
distributing spores in their surrounding area. Some of the spores are
picked up by wind or animals and distributed in new locations.
One of the biggest problems in controlling lawn diseases is diagnosis.
By the time signs of infection are evident, the fungus that causes it
is often difficult to control. Although there are dozens of types of
lawn disease, most can be prevented through regular lawn care. Most
fungus spores lie dormant until conditions are right for them to grow
and infect your lawn. Generally, fungus spores need warm temperatures,
a moist environment, a source of nutrition and a susceptible host.
Although you cant control the weather, you can deprive them of the
nutrients they need as well as a susceptible host.
Water your lawn deeply and infrequently to deprive fungus of the damp
environment it needs. In addition to helping the prevention of lawn
disease, deep and infrequent watering encourages your turf to sink
deeper roots. Water only when the surface soil is dry to your touch and
then water to a depth of two to three inches. You can gauge how much
water your lawn is getting by "planting" a small container (such as a
tuna or cat food can) in a corner of your yard. In addition, schedule
irrigation in the morning to give excess water a chance to evaporate.
Heavy thatch layers (over ½ inch) hold both heat and
moisture
and provide fungus with a ready supply of nutrients. Thatch also
impedes drainage and blocks the airflow your lawn needs to thrive.
Annual core aeration in the spring is the best way to control thatch
buildup. You can also control thatch during the growing season by
maintaining your lawn at a 2 ½ to 3 inch height and cutting
no
more than ? of the height when you mow.
Mowing time is also a good time to check your lawn for signs of
disease. "Fairy rings", "frog-eyes", brown patches and other
irregularities may signify the beginning of a problem. However, before
you purchase a "remedy" its best to have an infected patch inspected.
Dig and take samples to your extension agency or to a recognized lawn
care professional.
Many strains of fungus quickly develop a resistance to the best
fungicides. Controlling active fungus is truly a case where "an ounce
of prevention is worth a pound of cure". Start your lawn disease
prevention plan by planting only disease resistant grass hybrids
whether beginning a new lawn or reseeding patches of an old one.
Linda is author of The
Lawn Care section of Lanwmowers-Guide.com