3 Common Lawn Diseases that Will Affect Your Lawn’s Look and Overall Health

Red Thread Lawn Disease

This lawn disease is caused by the fungus Laetisaria fuciformis. Red thread often appears in lawns during periods of warm and moist weather. Signs include pink or reddish-brown patches of grass with a “thread-like” appearance. The disease can spread quickly if left untreated.

The best way to control red thread is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. This can be done by following proper lawn care practices such as mowing regularly at a height of two to three inches, fertilizing with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, and irrigating infrequently but deeply. If red thread does occur, it should be treated with a fungicide or biological control agent. Additionally, infected grass clippings should be disposed of in the trash, not composted or left on the lawn.

Dollar Spot Disease in Western PA

Dollar spot is another common lawn disease that is caused by the fungus Sclerotinia homoeocarpa. Signs of dollar spot include small, circular patches of tan or straw-colored grass with a “dollar” shape. The disease often appears during periods of warm and humid weather and can spread quickly if left untreated.

The best way to control dollar spot is through proper lawn care practices such as mowing regularly at a height of two to three inches, irrigating infrequently but deeply, and fertilizing with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Additionally, removing thatch on the lawn can help reduce the occurrence of dollar spot. If dollar spot does occur, it should be treated with either a fungicide or biological control agent.

Leaf Spot Disease

Leaf spot is a lawn disease caused by the fungus Drechslera spp. Signs of leaf spot include irregular-shaped patches of dead, discolored grass. The disease can spread quickly if left untreated and often appears during periods of warm and humid weather.

The best way to control leaf spot is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. This can be done by following proper lawn care practices such as mowing regularly at a height of two to three inches, fertilizing with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, and irrigating infrequently but deeply. Additionally, removing thatch on the lawn can help reduce the occurrence of leaf spot.

If leaf spot does occur, it should be treated with a fungicide or biological control agent. Additionally, infected grass clippings should be disposed of in the trash, not composted or left on the lawn.