Fall Lawn Fungus Threats and Prevention

During the Fall, understanding lawn fungus threats and prevention are essential due to the impacts of moisture at this cooler time of year. Here are six tips to help you deal with Fall lawn fungus concerns:
1. Proper lawn maintenance: Ensure that you are mowing the grass at the recommended height for your type of grass. By keeping the grass at the correct length, you promote better air circulation and prevent excess moisture, which can contribute to fungal growth. Likewise, make sure that your mower blades are sharp to provide clean grass blade cuts that are less susceptible to fungus than grass blades shredded by dull blades.
2. Reduce Shade: Trim any overhanging tree branches or shrubs casting too much shade on your lawn. Increasing sunlight exposure can help prevent fungal growth. Alternatively, choose grass cultivars developed for shade in areas under large tree canopies.
3. Avoid over-watering: During the Fall, the weather becomes cooler, so the lawn doesn’t need as much water as it does during the summer months. Overwatering can lead to excessively wet conditions, which create an ideal environment for fungi to grow.
4. Improve soil drainage: If water tends to pool or accumulate on your lawn, consider aerating the soil or applying a topdressing of compost or sand to improve drainage. This helps to prevent excessive moisture and reduce the chances of fungal growth. Consider these Common Drainage Problems.
5. Avoid evening watering: Watering your lawn in the evening can leave the grass wet overnight, creating a moist environment that promotes fungal growth. Instead, water the lawn early in the morning to have time to dry throughout the day.
6. Treat promptly: If you notice any signs of fungal disease, such as discolored patches, powdery or greasy spots, or unusual growth, it’s crucial to take action promptly. “Fungicides can stop the spread of large patch in the short term but to avoid yearly battles with the disease, we suggest adjusting your lawn care practices,” according to the University of Florida. “Seasonally appropriate lawn management will improve the overall health of your lawn and make it less susceptible to large patch and other fungal diseases.”

Additionally, as warm-season grasses enter Winter dormancy, the Spring green up can be inhibited by fungus disease acquired in the Fall. For year round good landscape maintenance cultural practices and for pros that understand lawn fungus threats and prevention, contact Rockaway today.

From our office in Atlantic Beach and satellites throughout Northeast Florida, Rockaway Inc proudly serves both commercial and residential landscape design, maintenance, lawn care, irrigation, and outdoor living carpentry client needs in Jacksonville, St Augustine, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Johns, and Fernandina Beach.