Fungal attack on the lawn

Snow mold

The gray-brown and putrid spots in the lawn reach sizes between five and 25 centimeters. Over time, the areas grow together and the gray to pink mycelium of the fungus Fusarium nivale can be seen at the edge areas. An infestation often occurs in September or spring, when cool temperatures below ten degrees in combination with high humidity prevail. If the snow cover lasts for a long time, the growth of the fungus is also promoted.

Preventive measures

Avoid waterlogging and high levels of moisture in the lawn. By scarifying and sanding, you improve the ventilation of the top soil layer. Autumn fertilization with agents containing potassium and magnesium strengthens grass growth and makes it more resistant to fungal attack in the cold season. When the temperatures rise in spring, the fungus will automatically decline. The grass grows back and fills in the gaps. If the lawn does not drift through on larger areas, you can sow new lawn seeds on the bald spots.

Red tipped

Laetisaria fuciformis develops reddish threads on the infected leaf tips. The fungus needs high humidity and temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees. Therefore this lawn sickness occurs mainly in summer and autumn. The fungus is considered a weak parasite and attacks malnourished grasses. In the advanced stage of the infestation, the lawn appears spotted yellow.

How to do it:

• directly one Slow release fertilizer administer
• Apply four to six grams of nitrogen per square meter
• Dispose of lawn clippings in household waste

Lawn grate

Different species of the genus Puccinia cause yellow nests in the lawn. Yellow-brown to black pustules can be seen on the grass. Since the lawn disease spreads in warm climates with 20 to 30 degrees and dryness, you should pay attention to a balanced water supply. A slow release fertilizer makes the grass species more robust.

Dollar stains

Sclerotinia homoeocarpa causes clearly demarcated and coin-sized spots. These appear pale and are streaked with a white mycelium. This permanent stain disease occurs more frequently in very short-clipped lawns at high summer temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees. The nocturnal dew formation promotes fungal growth as well as a lack of nutrients and dry soil.

You can do that

Drought stress damages plant health, which makes the grasses more susceptible to fungal diseases. Even smaller areas should be watered regularly during hot periods. Water the lawn thoroughly in the morning hours. Make sure you have an adequate supply of nutrients and, if necessary, remove thatch with a Scarifier.(€ 98.00 at Amazon *)