5 Ways to Prevent Dollar Spot Fungus

Have you noticed light tan, circular patches throughout your Bermuda lawn? If so, you may be looking at Dollar Spot Fungus.

Dollar Spot Fungus

Dollar Spot is a very common disease of Bermuda grass in the Southeast. Fungus that lives in the soil causes this disease.  White or straw-colored circles, silver dollar size (hence the name) appear as temperatures heat up. However, if left untreated, these spots will eventually grow together, leaving large patches of dead-looking grass in your lawn.

Fortunately, it is easy to identify. The bad news (if you’ve identified it in your yard) is it’s easier to prevent than fight the disease.

In most cases, a high nitrogen fertilizer will eliminate the disease symptoms. Occasionally, we will suggest a fungicide treatment if your lawn is severely infected or if the problem repeats year after year. Regardless of which option you choose, it may take several weeks for the symptoms to disappear completely.

Dollar Spot attacks the leaf blades, not the roots, and thrives in dry soil and moist air. When the roots are low on water and the leaves of your grass are wet from dew rain, or irrigation, outbreaks of this lawn disease increase.

Preventing Dollar Spot Fungus

Here are 5 steps you can take to help prevent Dollar Spot Fungus from growing:

1. Mow your lawn at regular intervals with a sharp blade.
2. Reduce thatch build-up by collecting grass clippings.
3. Use deep, infrequent waterings versus frequent, shallow watering.
4. Core-aerate your lawn annually in the spring or summer.
5. Fertilize your lawn at the appropriate times and use a professional.

If you think you have Dollar Spot in your lawn, reach out to us. Turf Masters will suggest the right course of action to treat this unsightly lawn disease. Together, we can keep your lawn healthy, thick and green!