Fungi problems in my lawn

[Luna]

I noticed some patches of fungi growing in my lawn a few months back. It didn't bother me as I thought it would be gone with a bit of fungicide. However, it didn't seem to work and unless my imagination's kidding me, it seems to be a bit bigger. I have bermuda grass. I wonder if this condition is partial to this kind of grass, or if it happens to any grass.

Any ideas on how I can get rid of the fungi?

[fleurdelys]

Ack, try not to use fungicides. Not only may it kill off fungi that will benefit your grass, it doesn't treat the source of the fungi. The symptom of this is dead grass.

Typical causes of fungi is too much water or fertilizer, or perhaps improper mowing or adding fertilizer to the grass at the wrong time.

To best deal with it, what does the fungi look like? Knowing the specific type of fungi you're having problems with will help narrow down the cure for it.

[starcandy]

Lawn fungus is caused by different environmental conditions, and it is quite difficult to identify and treat accurately. As mentioned earlier, the best way to treat it is to identify what kind of fungus you're dealing with. I have to agree that treating it with fungicide isn't the best option, as the chemicals may kill the grass and not just the fungus.

Here are the more common diseases that I've heard of: Brown patch, dollar spot, fairy ring, leaf spot and pythium blight.

[sakura]

After you get your lawn treated, take steps to prevent it from happening again. One thing you could do is to dispose of your grass clippings properly rather than leaving them in your garden. Try not to water your lawn at night because it doesn't give time for the grass to dry off and create a moist environment that fungus love.

Too much fertilizer can also cause fungus growth due to the increased number of compounds. Don't put fertilizer in the late fall or winter, again the moist environment can encourage fungus growth.

[fleurdelys]

Best to find the best type of grass for your lawn. In some cases, some of the grasses will grow but it'll be hard to keep them healthy. Possibly that could be a cause for the fungi. Focus also on the conditions in your area as most grass prefer full sun, although there are those that can survive in the shade.

I again stress on the importance of identifying the kind of fungi you have & treating the cause. For sure it'll prevent the fungi from coming back.

[Luna]

Thank you for your suggestions. I went ahead and tried to identify the fungus in my garden. I identified it as a dollar spot fungus, as it is quite humid here in my area. Taking steps now to prevent it from happening.

Oh, if any one has problems as well, this sites helped me identify which fungus I had but like you mentioned, I don't think I'll use fungicide. Cheers!

Lawn Diseases
Identifying Lawn Diseases

[sakura]

^ good to hear! Like they said, prevention is the best cure. I'm sure with proper gardening and maintenance, you won't get those pesky fungus again.

[Luna]

Yes, well, it was bit tough. Luckily, the fungi was only in a part of the garden. I wouldn't have noticed if it didn't look so unslightly and that the dog was pawing on it. Thankfully, he didn't dig it up. Am in the process of replanting the part that's infected. It's looking good now.

[rosiethumb]

fungus loves moist places. be sure your lawn is well-drained and there are no spots where water can accumulate for a long time after raining.

[honeylemon]

Originally Posted by rosiethumb

fungus loves moist places. be sure your lawn is well-drained and there are no spots where water can accumulate for a long time after raining.

That's right @rosiethumb!

Here are other tips from a Turfgrass Specialist, Richard L. Duble, to avoid Dollar Spot from coming back.

-Remove excess thatch
-Keep fertility levels adequate
-Avoid light, frequent watering
-Mow frequently at recommended heights
-Aerate compacted soils

For more info about other symptoms, disease development and control of the Dollar Spot fungi, you can check this site :

Dollar Spot

[Luna]

Just a quick update. As I mentioned, we were able to identify the fungi and started treating it. So far so good! My lawn looks lovely and I hope it remains that way. Thank you all for the suggestions!