Any homeowner who is passionate about lawn care recognizes the importance of proper watering and fertilization. But what they may not realize is that over-watering or using a fertilizer that contains too much nitrogen can lead to fungal lawn infections. Even something as common as a period of heavy rain can develop invasive fungi in your lawn, which kills grass and leaves it discolored and dried out. With these simple tips, you will be able to easily recognize the signs of invasive fungus and take the necessary steps to treat it.
First, it is essential that you familiarize yourself with your particular type of grass and how it’s supposed to look when healthy. If your grass is supposed to have a dark green color to it but has lately been looking more yellow or brown, then you might have a fungal infection to take care of. Fungus also tends to take hold in circular patterns, so rings of discolored grass are another red flag. Get in the habit of checking your lawn weekly, and take note if any discoloration seems to be spreading.
Another way to check for invasive fungus is to look at individual blades and examine how exactly they’re discolored. Dust-like layers of white, yellow, or gray indicate fungal mold, as do brown and black spots and even threads between blades. Fungus can also infect roots, making excessively soft and moist root systems, so it’s important to check your soil as well.
If you notice that your lawn has been infected by an invasive fungus, it can be treated by applying fungicide to the discolored areas. However, the best option for the overall health of your lawn is to take preventative measures. At Borst Landscape & Design, we work to combat fungus before it has a chance to form by adding phosphite and hydrationA to our organic fertilizer applications in late spring and summer. Contact Borst today and bring the color back to your yard.