How to Treat Lawn Fungus
As Autumn approaches, lawn fungus becomes more common across Adelaide’s lawns. The bad news? If left untreated, it could lead to bigger issues. So, if you’re keen to keep your lawn fungus-free, read on for tips and solutions.
Why Does Fungus Appear in Lawns?
Lawn fungus typically results from poor grass health, overwatering, poor drainage, or soil compaction. It thrives in warm, humid or cool, damp conditions, especially under trees or areas where water tends to pool. The best way to manage lawn fungus is to first identify what type of fungus you’re dealing with and what’s causing it.
Photos from Lawn Solutions.
How to Identify Lawn Fungus
Here are the things to look out for:
• White, yellow, or brown patches or rings that expand in diameter
• Irregular discolouration or texture in the grass
• Coloured spots on leaf blades or stems
• Powdery coatings on grass
• Thinned-out patches or wet, slimy-looking areas
• A cluster of mushrooms forming a ‘fairy ring’
Photos from Lawn Solutions.
There are several different types of lawn fungus, each with varying levels of severity. You can find detailed info about them in our Common Lawn Diseases Guide here.
Mushrooms popping up on your lawn are a form of fungus, but they’re typically harmless and even a sign of healthy, organic-rich soil that your lawn will love! You can remove them by hand if you don’t want them, but they’ll naturally disappear over time. However, if they appear in a circular or ring shape, that’s a different type of fungus known as Fairy Ring, and this is one to look out for!
Tips to Prevent and Control Small Fungus Problems
Water in the morning: Avoid watering in the evening. Watering in the morning allows the grass to dry out during the day and prevents creating the damp conditions fungus loves.
Deeper, less-frequent watering: Instead of frequent, shallow watering, opt for long, deep waterings. This encourages strong roots and helps prevent fungus.
Reduce shade: Reducing shade can help your lawn dry out faster and stay healthier. Trim back trees and hedges when possible.
Fertilise regularly: Feed your lawn every 2-3 months, alternating between granular and liquid fertilisers. (For tips on choosing the right fertiliser, check out our blog, How to Choose the Right Lawn Fertiliser here)
Aerate and dethatch: Regular aeration and removing thatch build-ups can improve drainage and help prevent fungal growth.
Maintain lawn health: A well-kept lawn with proper shade management, appropriate watering, and regular fertilisation, mowing, dethatching, and aerating is much less likely to suffer from lawn fungus issues.
How to Treat a Fungus-Infected Lawn
If you’ve already got lawn fungus causing issues, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! For larger fungal outbreaks, applying a fungicide is your best bet. It’s also important to continue following the prevention tips mentioned above.
Fungicides can target and control a variety of turf diseases at different stages of development. We recommend Impala Fungicide here, which is highly effective against leaf, crown, and root diseases. It provides protection for up to 28 days on new growth. Be sure to read the product label for specific instructions on disease treatment.
Other fungicides that can be used in your lawn or garden include Yates Mancozeb and Yates Tomato & Vegetable Dust.
As always, any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us for a quote or advice on (08) 8326 3255 or enquiries@akersoflawn.com.au.
Happy Gardening!