I got an email from “Joe” in Orland Park, IL asking me about dollar spot fungus in lawns, and figured it he had questions about it, then that means a lot of you guys must be wondering too. So let’s learn about dollar spot and what can be done about it.
Dollar Spot lawn fungus comes in the early summer and can persist and get worse all the way into later August. I almost always find it in lawns that are sodded within the last 15 years or so, but have found it in older established lawns as well. It is in sod lawns due to weakened root systems.
Many folks at first think that the dollar spots are actually dog pee spots from roaming neighborhood animals! I have heard more than one story of one neighbor blaming another for letting his dog run loose in their yard! It is only when the disease gets worse that they realize it is something else.
Some small sections of dollar spot in the lawn are nothing really to worry about, like the photo above. However, the photo below shows a severe breakout in another area of the very same lawn!
Dollar spot gets worse in areas near the street or sidewalk (I call that area the “parkway”) because of all the extra heat that is generated there. In addition, humidity in the air can worsen the problem.
If you have dollar spot disease in your lawn, it is not your fault, and there are a few things you can do in order to keep it from getting any worse:
1) Utilize a good lawn fungicide. There are a lot out there, but if you are looking for something fast acting that will give you even coverage, granular is the way to go. See the fungicides below for ones that are available to homeowners that I have used in my own lawn over the years. Plan to apply at least twice, according to labeling on the package. Get it here: Bayer 701230F Fungus Control For Lawn
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Lawn fungicides should halt the progress of the fungus and allow the already infected areas to recover over time.
2) Catch lawn Clippings. If your lawn is being scarred by dollar spot, don’t spread it! Yes, dollar spot fungus can be spread from lawn to lawn and area to area on lawn equipment wheels and such, but can also be spread much faster from clippings being dragged around. Catch the clippings and wash the lawn mower off after mowing the infected area.
3) Irrigate less frequently. If you are fighting dollar spot, I want you so still water your lawn, but only once per week in the morning and water deep. This will be enough to help the healthy part of the lawn without making the fungus any worse.
4) Aerate if You Can. I want you to aerate the lawn if it is soft enough to pull good plugs. Most people never think about aerating their lawns in the summer, but it is something I highly recommend if you can when you are affected by dollar spot. If you cannot get good plugs pulled, then make sure you aerate in the fall for sure.
I also recommend you continue to use slow release fertilizers in the summer, and follow my lawn care plan in the fall. Most times, you will find that the lawn will recover in just a few short weeks. Simple!
