Everything You Need to Know About Dollar Spot Lawn Disease

Dollar spot is a common lawn disease that can cause significant damage to your turf in Florida if left untreated. It is a fungal disease characterized by straw-colored patches on lawns and thrives in high humidity and temperatures between 60-85°F. Early signs include small spots that can expand into larger patches. Quick action is crucial if your lawn is affected, and professional assistance is recommended for diagnosis and treatment, including fungicide application. Fortunately, this disease can be avoided by investing in preventative treatments, which should be administered by professionals, to effectively reduce the risk and maintain a healthy lawn.

What is dollar spot?

Dollar spot is a pervasive fungal disease that targets the aesthetic value and health of lawns. It is caused by a fungus and can be characterized by small, circular, straw-colored patches, about the size of a silver dollar. This widespread issue disrupts the uniform appearance of lawns, creating a patchy and uneven look that diminishes their visual appeal.

The damage caused by dollar spot isn’t merely superficial. If left unchecked, the initial small spots can expand, merging into larger, more destructive patches that lead to significant thinning and dieback of the grass. The fungus thrives by attacking the leaf blades, developing distinct lesions with straw-colored centers and reddish-brown margins. This specific pattern is key to distinguishing dollar spot from other lawn diseases. Understanding these characteristics helps homeowners and lawn care professionals identify the issue promptly, allowing for timely intervention and treatment to prevent extensive damage.

In what conditions does dollar spot thrive?

Dollar spot thrives in specific environmental conditions that are common in Florida. It is most prevalent during the late spring, summer, and into early fall when temperatures range between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This lawn disease prefers high humidity levels and prolonged periods of leaf wetness, which are often present during these times of the year. Additionally, dollar spot is more likely to occur on lawns that are under stress from factors such as drought, poor soil fertility, or improper mowing practices.

What should you do if you suspect dollar spot has infected your lawn?

If you suspect dollar spot is plaguing your lawn, quick action is essential. While some homeowners may attempt to tackle the issue themselves, the complexities of correctly diagnosing and treating lawn diseases like dollar spot warrant professional assistance. These experts have the skills and knowledge to confirm if your lawn is indeed suffering from dollar spot and can provide appropriate treatment recommendations. Professional treatments may include the application of specific fungicides, as well as advice on improving lawn care practices to prevent future occurrences.

Can you prevent dollar spot?

Yes, preventing dollar spot is achievable with proactive lawn care. You can invest in preventative lawn disease control treatments to create a protective barrier on your lawn that stops the fungus from developing and spreading. The effectiveness of these treatments relies heavily on proper timing. That's why it's best to continue trusting professionals with protecting your grass from this disease! Working with lawn care professionals can provide tailored recommendations, ensuring your chosen preventative measures are both effective and environmentally responsible. By focusing on these preventative treatments, you can significantly reduce the risk of dollar spot, keeping your lawn lush and vibrant all season long.

Call us today to schedule our dollar spot control service!

Don't let dollar spot ruin your lawn! At FertiGator Lawn Care, we offer a dollar spot control service that provides both preventative and curative treatments against this problematic disease. Preventative treatments are applied regularly throughout the year to effectively get ahead of the disease and make it a non-issue on your turf. Meanwhile, curative applications are available whenever signs of dollar spot are present.

We offer this service to residential property owners in The Villages, Lady Lake, Wildwood, and other surrounding areas in Florida. Give us a call at (352) 314-2867 to schedule!