Lawn Disease Management

Sadly, lawns are susceptible to a vast array of diseases. I am trained to identify these and advise you on the best course of action, be it remedial or preventative.

Fusarium Patch

The most common UK lawn disease, caused by the fungus, microdochium nivale. Cool and wet conditions are favoured by this fungus and also grasses which are weak as a result of lack of nutrition. All UK grasses can succumb to fusarium patch but the disease is normally seen first in Poa annua due to its shallow rooting. Initial infections are small but these can rapidly enlarge.

The disease can be recognised by the white or pink gossamer like mycelium on the leaf surface.

Control: Fusarium can be controlled by the application of an appropriate fungicide.

fusarium patch lawn disease management

Red Thread

anthracnose

Red thread infection can occur on all lawn grasses but is particularly common on ryegrasses and fescues. Mild, damp weather is favoured by this fungus, Laetisaria fucifrormis. Red Thread used to be prevalent on under fertilised lawns but recently we have noticed this fungal disease even on well fertilised lawns.

Red Thread is quite easy to identify by the red shards that grow outwards from the leaf.

Control: Red thread can be controlled by the application of an appropriate fungicide; scarification and aeration will reduce the thatch layer and improve water penetration.

Dry Patch

This phenomenon occurs in the root zone of the lawn; the material making up the root zone becomes hydrophobic or water repellent. Dry patch normally occurs during the summer and early autumn; it can be prevented or the symptoms controlled.

The disease can be recognised by the white or pink gossamer like mycelium on the leaf surface.

Control: Dry Patch can be controlled by the application of an appropriate surfactant; aeration will also improve water penetration.

dry patch lawn disease management

Anthracnose

anthracnose lawn disease management

In the UK anthracnose only attacks Poa Annua. It is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum graminicola. Periods of cool, wet weather are favoured by this fungus and also grasses which are weak as a result of low fertility or over compacted root zones.

The disease can be recognised by the white or pink gossamer like mycelium on the leaf surface.

Control: Anthracnose can be controlled by the application of an appropriate fungicide.

Rust

Rust can attack all UK lawn grasses, but is particularly attracted to perennial ryegrass and Poa pratensis. It can occur throughout the year but is normally seen during early summer to late autumn during mild humid weather.

Rust is easy to identify. The affected grass appears rust coloured due to the spores present on the leaf.

Control: Rust can be controlled by aeration and depending on the conditions, a light application of fertiliser. Increasing your mowing height and frequency will also aid recovery.

rust lawn disease management

Dollar Spot

anthracnose lawn disease management

Dollar spot generally attacks the finer grasses and in particular varieties of red fescue. Mid-Spring to early Autumn are the times you will mostly see this disease.

The main symptoms are numerous small bleached spots.

Control: Dollar spot can be controlled by the application of an appropriate fungicide and aeration.

Lawn Care Advice

Our lawn care advice articles are here to help you understand more about how to manage some of the common issues affecting lawns. If you have any lawn treatment enquiries or require any of our lawn care services, please contact us today. Click any of the lawn care advice articles below to read more.

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