Lawn Fungus: Identification, Treatment, and Prevention. (2024)

Lawn fungus is a disease that can be a real eyesore for Cincinnati homeowners who take pride in their lush, green lawns.

In this article, we will dive into the world of lawn fungus, giving you the knowledge to identify it, treat it effectively, and prevent future outbreaks. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

• What is Lawn Fungus?
• What Does Lawn Fungus Look Like?
• What Causes Lawn Fungus?
• Will Lawn Fungus Go Away on Its Own?
• Natural Ways to Kill Lawn Fungus
  • 1. Will Vinegar Kill Lawn Fungus?
  • 2. Will Baking Soda Kill Lawn Fungus?
• How to Prevent Lawn Fungus the Right Way
• When to Apply Fungus Control for Lawns
• Apply Fungus Treatments Safely
• Final Thoughts
• Related Resources
• Need More Help?

What is Lawn Fungus?

Lawn fungus is a common disease in the Greater Cincinnati area. It affects many types of grasses, causing unsightly patches, discoloration, and even death of the grass.

Fungal diseases can develop due to a variety of factors, including environmental conditions, poor lawn care practices, and the presence of certain pathogens in the soil.

By understanding what causes lawn fungus and how to identify the specific type affecting your lawn, you can implement the appropriate treatment and prevention measures to restore your lawn’s health and appearance.

What Does Lawn Fungus Look Like?

Lawn fungus can present itself in several different ways, depending on the specific type of fungus and the grass species affected. Some common signs of fungal infections include:

• Patches of discolored or dying grass, ranging in color from yellow to brown
• Circular or irregularly-shaped spots on the lawn
• Fuzzy, powdery, or slimy growth on grass blades
• Rings or arcs of mushrooms or other fungal growths

To accurately identify the type of fungus affecting your lawn, it’s helpful to examine lawn fungus identification pictures. Below are pictures and descriptions of some of the common lawn fungus diseases in our area. For a more precise appraisal, you can consult with a lawn care professional.

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What Causes Lawn Fungus?

Lawn fungus thrives in specific environmental conditions and can be triggered by various factors, including:

• Excessive moisture from overwatering, heavy rainfall, or poor drainage
• High humidity and warm temperatures
• Compacted soil or a buildup of thatch
• Improper mowing practices, such as cutting grass too short
• Overuse or incorrect application of fertilizers

Understanding the factors that contribute to lawn fungus growth can help you take the necessary steps to prevent and treat fungal infections.

Will Lawn Fungus Go Away on Its Own?

In some cases, lawn fungus may resolve itself without intervention. This is especially true if the underlying cause is addressed (such as improving drainage issues, adjusting bad watering practices, or properly fertilizing your lawn).

However, for more severe or persistent fungal infections, it’s essential to take proactive measures to treat and prevent further damage to your lawn.

Natural Ways to Kill Lawn Fungus

We get asked for tips on organic and natural solutions all the time. Thankfully, we’re up-to-date on these methods. Here are two of the most common all-natural treatments for lawn fungus:

1. Will Vinegar Kill Lawn Fungus?

Vinegar is a popular solution people use to get rid of lawn fungus. This is because the acetic acid in vinegar can kill the fungus spores and stop them from growing. But be careful when you use vinegar on your lawn. If you use too much, it can hurt your grass and other plants.

Here’s how to use it safely:

• Mix White Vinegar with water. Most people use half water and half vinegar.
• Put your vinegar solution in a spray bottle and spray it on the parts of your lawn where the fungus is.
• Keep a close eye on the areas you treated with vinegar. If the grass looks hurt, consider calling a professional. If the fungus keeps coming back, you might need a more robust and consistent treatment plan.

2. Will Baking Soda Kill Lawn Fungus?

Yes, baking soda will work if done right and if the lawn fungus isn’t excessive or stubborn. How? It creates an alkaline environment that fungi doesn’t like. But as with vinegar, there’s a downside.

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a type of salt. And all salts are corrosive when too much is used.

Here’s how to make a safe solution:

• Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon of liquid soap that doesn’t have detergent, and a gallon of water.
• The soap helps the solution spread out and stick to the grass blades or plant leaves. This helps the baking soda do its job.
• As with any treatment, monitor its effects closely for results. Contact a lawn care pro for help if your lawn turns yellow or if you notice that stems aren’t developing. This is a byproduct of too much alkaline in your soil, most likely caused by the baking soda.

How to Prevent Lawn Fungus the Right Way

Here are five steps you can take to reduce the risk of lawn fungus. If you can handle these correctly and consistently, the risk of this lawn disease ruining your yard will go way down.

1. Water your lawn properly. Ensure that your lawn receives sufficient water, but avoid overwatering. Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. And always add water in the morning. You don’t want your lawn to stay wet for prolonged periods because that is the primary factor in breeding lawn fungus.
   
2. Mow at the correct height: Mowing your grass too short can stress the turf and make it more susceptible to fungal diseases. Adjust your mower blade to the recommended height for your specific grass type.
   
3. Aerate and dethatch: Regularly aerate and dethatch your lawn to improve soil drainage and reduce the buildup of organic matter that can harbor fungal spores.
   
4. Fertilize appropriately: Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer to provide your lawn with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can promote fungal growth.
   
5. Maintain proper lawn hygiene: Remove fallen leaves, large rocks, tree limbs, and other debris to reduce the risk of fungal infections. Grass clippings from a routine mowing are good for your grass so there’s no need to remove them. Keep your lawn care tools clean and sanitized to prevent the spread of fungal spores.
   
6. Overseed your lawn. Especially in Cincinnati, you can prevent your yard from thinning by overseeding once a year. A more robust, denser carpet of grass will help prevent lawn fungus.
   
7. Hire a professional: Fungicides can be expensive and hard to apply for a homeowner. A lawn care expert can identify your specific type of lawn disease issues, apply the correct fungicidal treatment, and follow through with a plan that prevents it from returning. There’s no more effective and time-saving way to prevent and treat lawn fungus than with a consistent treatment plan.

When to Apply Fungus Control for Lawns

Timing is crucial when applying fungicides or natural solutions to control lawn fungus. Early intervention is key, as fungicides are most effective when applied at the first signs of infection.

• In general, it’s best to apply them when the fungus is most active and during periods of favorable conditions (such as warm, humid weather). See guide below.
• Keep an eye on the weather forecast and take preventive measures when the conditions are ripe for fungus growth.For example, if you know that rain is on the horizon, consider applying a fungicide product to your lawn in advance.
• Additionally, if you’ve had problems with fungus in the past, consider applying your preferred lawn fungus solution as a preventative measure during periods of high risk.
• And always closely follow our all-natural methods above or a manufacturer’s instructions for the specific chemical treatment. Applications rates and timing can vary. Some products may need to be applied multiple times throughout the growing season for optimal control.

Apply Fungus Treatments Safely

Be sure to follow all safety precautions when using any type of chemicals on your lawn. We follow strict safety rules and you should too.

Here’s how to keep yourself safe during applications:

1. Wear protective clothing and gloves.
2. Read all instructions carefully before using chemicals and other treatments.
3. Consult your local lawn care professional for advice.

With the right care and techniques, you can keep your grass healthy and free from fungus while minimizing any health risks to you and your family.

Final Thoughts

Lawn fungus can be a challenging issue for homeowners to tackle, but with proper identification, treatment, and prevention measures, you can restore your lawn’s health and maintain its beauty.And if you’re having issues, we’re just a call away.

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• Overseeding (lawn seeding) page
• Here’s how often you should mow your lawn
• How to use a fertilizer spreader
• Aerate your lawn for the best results
• How often should I water my lawn?
• Control moss on your lawn
• Everything to know about lawn maintenance
• All-seasons lawn care guide
• Get a free estimate form

Need More Help?

Need a pro to handle your lawn care year-round? Justcontact American Landscapes herefor a free, no-obligation estimate. Or call us at (513) 947-8727.

You can also learn more about our lawn care applications and treatments, landscaping, and outdoor lighting services by readingour blog. In addition to fertilizer and weed control, we provide mosquito control, lawn aeration, lawn seeding, and much more.