Fungal Disease in Lawns

Fungal disease in lawns, for the most part, are not common in residential lawns across Australia.

Unfortunately, when the conditions are right, the odd fungal issue will rear its head. Some turf varieties are more susceptible than others and some areas are prone to suffer more than others too.

When these turf diseases take hold, it is important that you identify the particular condition and target it with an appropriate response quickly.

What causes fungal disease?

The most common reasons fungal diseases occur are:

• Weather conditions (particularly temperature and humidity)
• Overwatering
• Soil compaction
• Overfertilising or using the wrong type of fertiliser
• Incompatible grass varieties for your area
• Poor mowing habits (mowing too low in particular)

Fungal related symptoms to look out for:

 Coloured patches or rings in your lawn (yellow, white or brown)

• Powdery coatings or threads on the grass blade surface
• Thinned out areas, or areas of wet or slimy looking turf
• Leaf blades with irregular discolouration or texture

Treatment

It is important that you identify the specific fungal disease that you have so that you can take the correct steps to rectify and eradicate the disease. For most everyday lawn owners, there are a few treatment steps which will be common across a broad range of fungal diseases.

These include:

Aeration

Loosening of the soil to remove compaction and improve drainage. Aeration will improve your lawns ability to absorb water, nutrient and oxygen which will help your lawn stay healthier.

Fertilising

Overapplying fertiliser or underapplying to nutrient deficient soils can promote some fungal diseases. Check with your local Lawn Solutions Australia turf supplier for the specific requirements for your turf variety. Make sure that you stick to a fertilising program that provides your grass with the nutrient it needs in regular intervals throughout the year. 

Remove thatch

Over time your lawn can develop a thick layer of thatch, dead organic matter, excessive roots and stems within the profile of your grass. Dethatching prevents water log in your roots and allows proper drainage, this will help to prevent the risk of fungal issues.

Irrigation and Shade Management

Avoid over-watering, particularly in shaded areas. Shade prevents the quick evaporation of dew or surface water and continued dampness will encourage fungal disease. When watering, do so early in the morning not at night, to allow the area to dry during the day. Water deeply, but less frequently, to encourage stronger roots and to allow the water to absorb properly.

Fungicide application

If all of the above fail, or if you have a particularly nasty fungal problem you will need to apply a fungicide. Fungicides kill fungi and the spores within the soil or plant and usually come in a liquid form.

Mancozeb is a trusted protectant fungicide that controls a wide range of diseases like powdery mildew, dollar spot and rust. For best results, a complete spray of the entire lawn is recommended.

For more information on specific fungal diseases and how to treat them, contact your local Lawn Solutions Australia turf supplier.