Lawn diseases are abnormal conditions on turf caused by a disease, organism or pathogen. Preventing lawn disease problems is the best strategy, because once symptoms are visible, chemical rescue treatments aren’t recommended for the health of your home lawn. Prevention means maintaining a healthy turf through proper mowing, watering, and fertilising. The leading Gold Coast turf suppliers, ALC, have put together a list of the best ways to prevent lawn diseases.
Disease Prevention Tips:
Type Of Grass
Any grass that you plant outside its normal range of adaptation will be more subject to disease. The grass just will not grow as well, and weak growth makes the grass more susceptible to problems. Some grass types are more likely to get a specific disease than others, whilst you also can find some varieties of grass that resist specific diseases.
Keep Leaves Dry
Most lawn diseases thrive in moist or humid conditions. Many diseases infect lawns when the grass blades are wet, so water only if needed and water deeply so you can go longer between watering. If you water your lawn, do it early in the morning so that the grass dries quickly and avoid watering at night.
Avoid Over-fertilising
Too much fertiliser can stress plants and leave them vulnerable to diseases. Only fertilise if really necessary.
Apply Fungicide If Needed
To control or prevent lawn disease problems such as brown patch and dollar spot, apply a water soluble fungicide made for lawns. Be careful to only use the recommended amount of product.
Reduce Thatch
Lawn diseases love the spongy layer of grass stems and debris that forms between the leaves and the roots, known as thatch. It holds moisture near the surface of the lawn, blocks water and nutrient penetration and restricts air. Reduce thatch and the risk of disease by aerating or power raking.
Improve Drainage
Waterlogged soils are poorly aerated, which restricts root growth, promotes some diseases, and allows algae and moss to thrive. Landscaping plants can be a great drainage solution for areas with a small amount of excess water. Creating a pond or a rain garden has started to become popular solutions for yard drainage problems.
Mow Regularly at the Right Height
Mowing too short weakens the grass plant, making it more susceptible to infection. Most grass types should be mowed using a high (3-4 inch) mowing setting.
Increase Air Flow
Lawn diseases are more prevalent where stagnant air collects. Simple things such as a clean lawn mower cutting deck and clearing underbrush will provide the greatest amount of airflow.
Spotting Lawn Diseases
Leaf spots, brown areas or patches of dead grass may look like damage caused by disease, but they do not automatically indicate that there is a disease present. Mowing with a lawn mower that has a dull blade and poor irrigation can also cause symptoms in your lawn that might be confused with a lawn disease.
For more lawn disease advice, products, equipment or services, call our team of experienced lawn technicians at Australian Lawn Concepts today.