There is Fungus Among Us
We are quickly moving into the heat and humidity of early summer, and the extremely wet spring has created ideal conditions for fungal infections to flourish on your lawn. You may have even noticed mushrooms popping up on your lawn, or the lawns of your neighbors’. While some types of fungi are very beneficial for your soil (mushroom growth can actually be a sign of healthy soil), fungal infections that attack your grass can quickly destroy a beautifully kept lawn. It is much easier, and generally cheaper, to catch and treat infections early.
Summer’s hot, humid weather creates the perfect breeding ground for lawn fungi such as brown patch, dollar spot, rust, and pythium blight. These issues can rapidly spread, leaving dead or discolored spots across your yard and if left unchecked, can kill your grass down to the roots, upending the hard work and investment you have put into your lawn.
Last season there was a noticeable increase in lawns with Fungal Diseases and this spring has been very wet, so we are seeing another resurgence of fungal infections.
The 150 Rule
Fungus love heat and moisture, both of which are plentiful during our late spring and summer seasons. You can track conditions yourself to determine when fungal infections might take hold of your lawn. So what is the “150 Rule”? If the daytime temperature and humidity levels add to 150 or higher, you can bet fungus is ready to spread. It is best to get ahead of the heat and humidity with preventative fungal treatments.
Watering Schedule
Remember, watering constantly is not a healthy practice for lawns. Fungus thrive in wet conditions. Unless you have seed down, lawns need about 1 inch of water per week, including rain, in most conditions. This should be provided in one deep watering if possible each week. Overwatering or watering at the wrong time of day can lead to increased fungal activity on your lawn as well as issues with root depth and plant health. Water deep, not daily and avoid watering in the evening or overnight. Watering in the early morning is ideal to allow the grass and lawn surface to dry by the nighttime hours.
The start of summer also means it is time to start thinking about Grub Control. If you would like to get an estimate for grub control, reach out today!
If you suspect fungal issues, reach out for a treatment estimate! Our preventative fungus treatment helps protect your lawn by:
- Shielding it from disease before it takes hold
- Preserving your lawn’s lush appearance and overall health
- Reducing the need for expensive repairs or reseeding
- Helping grass recover faster from heat stress
Let’s work together to protect your lawn and keep it looking its best! Schedule Now for a stronger, healthier lawn.