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What Type of Fungus or Disease Does My Lawn Have?

Florida’s climate and surroundings can leave lawns vulnerable to fungal infections, particularly during wet seasons in spring and fall. It’s often hard to spot fungal issues until they’ve already spread across the grass. That’s why it’s crucial to be aware of the typical types of lawn fungus in our region. Some of the most common species include:

Brown Patch Fungus

This fungus thrives in warm and humid conditions, resulting in patches of brown or yellow grass across the lawn. These patches are typically circular or irregular in shape and feature a dark outer ring. Grass blades along the patch’s edge may appear water-soaked and covered in lesions.

What Type Of Fungus Or Disease Does My Lawn Have in Gainesville FL

Dollar Spot Fungus

When lawns have poor drainage or receive excessive watering, especially in warmer months, they can be susceptible to this fungal issue. It’s named after the small, tan, round spots it creates, about the size of a silver dollar. Affected patches of grass may exhibit tiny reddish-brown lesions on the blades.

Powdery Mildew Fungus

True to its common name, this fungus causes a white, powdery growth on grass blades, giving your lawn a grayish appearance, especially in the morning. It thrives in cool and damp conditions, which makes it more common during the winter months.

Fairy Ring Fungus

Despite its whimsical name, fairy ring is a fungal growth often seen in overwatered lawns. It forms circular rings of dark green or dead grass, often accompanied by mushrooms along the outer edge. These growths are most common in warm summertime weather.

Tips for Preventing Lawn Fungus

Fungal growths can be detrimental to your lawn’s health, and they’re incredibly difficult to get rid of once they’ve shown up in your grass. Thankfully, with the right care, you can reduce your lawn’s risk of developing a fungal infection. Some of the best ways to prevent lawn fungus include:

  • Avoiding overwatering your lawn
  • Fixing any drainage issues
  • Applying fertilizer twice per year
  • Mowing regularly
  • Routinely aerating the soil
  • Removing thatch buildup
  • Getting expert lawn care

What to Do If You Have Lawn Fungus

Fungus of any kind is notoriously difficult to treat, and growths in your lawn aren’t an exception. If you notice signs of a disease in your grass, it’s important to take quick action to prevent it from spreading across your landscape. 

For precise diagnosis and treatment guidance, consider reaching out to a local lawn care expert. Besides helping you identify the type of fungus in your lawn, they can also assist in uncovering underlying factors contributing to your lawn’s health problems. These specialists can tailor appropriate solutions to meet your specific requirements.

What type of fungus or disease does my lawn have? Serving Central FL, Northern FL and the Panhandle

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