LAWN DISEASES

 There are a number of fungus diseases that affect turf grasses grown in our area. Most are more cosmetic nuisances than lawn killers, though there are a few that can devastate a lawn in short order if left unchecked. Fungus diseases are a fact of life in lawn care in Northern Virginia. Virtually every lawn has some disease problem during the growing season. Most lawn diseases can be controlled with varying degrees of success, but there are some that can't be controlled at all. Fungus diseases can be generally classified according to when their symptoms appear, as cool-season and warm-season diseases. However, there is a lot of overlap in seasons during which specific disease pathogens are active. The cool-season diseases include Snow Molds, Red Thread, Leaf Spot, Smuts, and Rusts. Warm-season diseases include Dollar Spot, Brown Patch, Summer Patch, Necrotic Ring Spot, Pythium Blight, and Meltout.  

 There are complex interrelating factors involved that can lead to the emergence of disease. Some of them are grass type, soil type, soil fertility level, soil acidity level, soil moisture levels, humidity, soil and air temperature levels, amount of thatch, mowing habits, and other factors as well. In general, fungus diseases are symptoms of some underlying problem. In most of the disease problems Agro-Lawn treats, the underlying problems are too little water, too much water, too high temperatures, excessive thatch, and acid soil. Lawn disease is not something about which the lawn owner should get to upset. Diseases come and go. If damage cannot be avoided, it can always be repaired via seeding and conditions can be altered to reduce the degree or frequency of the problem in the future.

 The client can help to minimize fungus problems by following these general instructions: 1) Cut high with a sharp blade at proper intervals, 2) Water properly when the lawn needs it, 3) Don't water in the evening, 4) Allow the lawn to dry out between watering. More detailed information can be found in the instructions left at the time of each service. Maintenance of thatch accumulation, preferably by core aeration, and maintenance of proper soil pH through periodic lime applications is important. Despite the best of care, lawns will get disease problems from time to time.

Fungus diseases are primarily dealt with on a curative basis. When Agro-Lawn treats a lawn for a disease problem, we are trying to arrest the spread of the disease. There is usually lawn damage that has occurred prior to the treatment. Since most serious disease problems occur during the summer, it should be understood that where the grass has actually died, it will not repair at that time. During most summers, the grass is not usually actively growing; it's just trying to survive. Repair will occur during the following fall. Seeding may be necessary. Depending upon the disease in question, it may be necessary to reapply fungicide after a couple of weeks if the symptoms persist. It is not desirable to apply fungicide too frequently. Fungus pathogens will become immune to the fungicides with too much exposure; then there may not be a means of control.
 

Our office hours are 9:00- 5:00, Monday-Friday (EST).
Tel: 703-938-8844 Fax: 703-938-4187
Postal Address: P.O. Box 603, Vienna, VA. 22183.

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