Dollar Spot: A Lawn Disease That Requires Immediate Treatment

While it may not look like much of a scourge, dollar spot is a serious lawn disease that can infect and kill a lot of different turf types that are in the Pittsburgh area. Although the spots look harmless, this disease will damage the turf all the way down to the roots and should be treated as soon as possible.

This condition is actually a fungus that starts as a small silver dollar-sized patch approximately 1 to 6 inches in diameter. The fungus is able to last in cold weather as dormant mycelium (mycelium is a part of a fungus that is made of a mass of branches or fibers) in plant parts in both the thatch and soil.

When Does Dollar Spot Become Active?

Dollar spot is a summer disease. When temperatures consistently get in the 70 to 90 degree range, the disease becomes active. Good conditions for dollar spot infestation include low nitrogen levels in the soil and excessive thatch. We also find that mowing the lawn too low and the lack of soil moisture during times of high humidity also cause the disease’s activity.

What Does Dollar Spot Look Like?

Dollar spot is very distinct and easy to identify. Once it begins to damage your turf, it looks like small silver dollar-sized patches (giving it the name “dollar spot”) that are white to tan in color. If you look at grass blades up close, there will be lesions on the blades that have a tan to reddish brown edge and an hourglass shape. If you look at your grass on summer mornings and notice a cotton-like substance, that’s also a sign of dollar spot.

How Can I Eliminate Dollar Spot?

Since dollar spot is an invasive fungus, this disease can be eliminated through fungicide treatments. If you see the tell-tale signs of dollar spot, it’s important to arrange for treatment right away to prevent further damage to your lawn. Superior Lawn Care can help to ensure that your lawn will look great with our five-step lawn application program. We provide service to all areas in southwestern PA, including Greensburg, Penn Township, Indiana, Wexford, and Murrysville. Call us today to learn more about how we can keep lawn problems far away and give you the dense, green lawn you love.