This summer has been extremely humid (most days over 50%) causing fungus on many properties. Fungus can vary from gray spots to brown patches and it is important to treat right away so that it does not spread throughout your lawn. Fortunately, there are many solutions that can help with this issue.
Recommendations:
- Only water your lawn as much as necessary. The average yard only needs 1 – 2” of water per week or 1/3” per day during the hot weather. In 90+ degree weather, we recommend twice a day. Once in the morning and once in the afternoon. 30-40 minutes for rotary zones and 10 minutes for spray zones. The extra watering in the afternoon cools the plants. Most fungi will thrive in moist conditions. Do not keep your lawn too dry because dry soil will lead to weak grass subject to diseases like mildew.
- Fertilize your lawn. Grass that does not get enough potassium tends to get fungus. We recommend a product that is high in potassium (potash). It is an essential element that all plants require and has ability to strengthen plant cells and fight the bad fungus without harming the good fungus and microbes. We have a liquid product that is all natural and can be sprayed on the lawn. These materials can be incorporated it into our fertigation systems which will distribute material in microdoses.
When mowing your lawn, make sure the blades are sharp. Keep the grass mowed high, at least 3”. Make sure lawn mower blades are kept sharp! A dull blade rips and creates opportunities for more damage. Water your lawn after cutting to reduce the damage. Short cuts lead to an increase in fungal disease and burning of roots of lawn. Remember, all cool weather grasses want to go dormant during the heat and we are forcing them to grow and thrive with water and fertilizer. It creates an opportune time for fungus and grass loving insects.- Routine Aeration. Rain Rich suggests this be done once or twice a year. This process will prevent fungal diseases. Core aeration is the process of mechanically removing plugs of soil from the lawn to improve movement of air, water and nutrients into the root zone.
- Try an organic fungicide. There are many natural treatments that you can use especially if your fungus issue has not spread. Try Neem Oil which has anti-fungal properties, compost tea or you can also mix two tablespoons of baking soda per gallon of water. Treating you lawn with compost tea is a great horticultural practice that provides many benefits. First, you are adding beneficial microbes and fungi that out compete the negative and enhances your landscape. Compost tea also increases organic matter in the soil which benefits lawn and plants tremendously. Organic matter retains water and makes readily available to plants.
Please feel free to contact us for a free consultation. We treat fungus problems especially during this time of year and would be happy to help. Please contact Rain Rich at (631) 423-2211 or email us at irrigationspecialist@rainrich.com.
Rain Rich Sprinklers has been serving Long Island for 31 years and prides itself on providing outstanding service and the best value.
Rain Rich ~Creating Rain For Life~
