Preventing Lawn Fungus and Reducing Lawn Applications

Lawn fungus can spread rapidly and be very damaging to your lawn. It can spread to areas that are weak, dying, and unhealthy. Lawn applications such as fungicide can treat fungus by preventing its growth and spread. However, fungicides are chemicals that have many environmental and health disadvantages. Fungicides can drain off your lawn and contaminate nearby lakes and rivers. The chemicals in fungicides are detrimental to aquatic life. Additionally, fungicide can be harmful to humans and cause irritation to skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract. However, this lawn application can be reduced by following some best practices to prevent and control fungus.

Maintain soil at proper pH level.

Most lawn grasses prefer slightly acidic soil near 6.0 to 7.0 pH, where essential nutrients stay readily available. Regular soil testing and appropriate soil amendments help keep your grass healthy and strong.

Follow good mowing practices.

Mowing low creates the grass conditions that disease organisms love. Weakened and wounded grass provide the perfect conditions for fungus. After the disease gets started, you can even spread it around via the mower blades because the disease rides on the blades. Instead, mow the grass at heights recommended for your grass type. Keep your mower blades sharp, and mow according to grass growth. Remove only one-third of the blade height in a single mowing. Collect and dispose of lawn clippings if you suspect fungal disease. Don’t compost; some diseases spread through clippings, infecting compost.

Use Fertilization

Under-fertilizing leaves grass undernourished, and overfertilizing promotes weak, rushed growth; both mistakes set up lawns for disease. Fertilize with premium products that release essential nutrients at the right levels.

When Lawn Application May Be Necessary

Although these preventative tips can be effective, infections may still occur. After all other efforts have failed, you can contact a professional such as Gabris Landscaping for lawn applications of fungicide. It is important to hire an expert with experience and knowledge on how to handle chemicals.