You must be frustrated if you find that the grass in your yard has mildew. The fungus can look like gray spots, orange-red powder, stringy red filaments, and irregular brownish patches. If your lawn has mildew, you need to act quickly to prevent fungal pests from spreading. Once you've identified the type of fungus that's infesting your grass, choose the right method to get rid of it. You can also take steps to prevent mold in the yard because prevention is better than cure.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Recognizing Fungal Diseases
Step 1. Look for thin, irregular white, yellow, or brown patches
The patches may be in the form of irregular spots or rings. You can see the soil through the blades of grass because the fungus has damaged the flesh of the leaves. The spots may enlarge over time.
Step 2. Notice the presence of gray, black, orange, red, or purple spots on blades of grass or stalks
This condition can be a sign of leaf spot disease, a fungal infection that spreads to the entire leaf blade and causes root rot. Over time the grass will die. The fungal infection will spread further throughout the page if you don't do anything about it.
Step 3. Watch for a gray, black or red powder, or a threadlike coating on the grass
This condition can indicate red threads, pink patches, or powdery mildew. Red threads and pink patches often appear together, and they spread easily. Powdery mildew can also spread, but is less likely to penetrate the soil.
Step 4. Watch the grass turn dark, wet, and slimy
This condition is called a grease spot, which is common in humid environments. If the grass has this condition, you may see a white, cotton-like fungus growing around the slimy area.
Method 2 of 3: Dealing with Mushrooms in the Lawn
Step 1. Don't take the mushrooms to other parts of the page
Fungal diseases spread easily. So shoe tracks, lawn mowers, or wheelbarrows can easily transfer disease to other healthy parts of the yard. If you must walk in an area with mildew, wrap your shoes in plastic and remember to take them off before stepping on healthy, fungus-free grass.
Make sure you collect and dispose of all grass waste after mowing
Step 2. Spray the grass with a fungicide
Choose a fungicide that can kill the fungus that attacks the grass in the yard. There are two types of fungicides: contact and systemic. Liquid contact fungicide. This substance works by coating the surface of the plant and killing spores that come into contact with it. Contact fungicides usually wear off quickly and are fairly effective. Meanwhile, systemic fungicides are granular and dissolve in the soil, which will then be absorbed by the root system. This treatment lasts longer. Make sure you always follow the instructions listed on the product packaging.
- Benomyl is especially effective against a number of different fungi, including snow mold, brown spot and dollar spot.
- Triadimefon works well against anthracnose and rust.
- Chlorothalonil works best on brown spots and red threads.
- Once you find a fairy ring in the yard, there's no way around it. Fungicides only work best against necrotic ring spots if accompanied by a thatch removal process.
Step 3. Try natural remedies that can kill the fungus
If you prefer not to use chemicals, there are several natural ways you can try. Neem oil, compost tea, and a baking soda solution can kill mold. Pour or sprinkle natural ingredients on the affected area.
- This natural solution works best against mold that is just growing or in small amounts.
- Make sure to keep other people and pets away from the affected area for a few days after the treatment.
Step 4. Be aware that some fungal diseases only occur in certain seasons
Certain fungal diseases are affected by the weather. Gray snow mold usually disappears when the temperature rises above 4 °C. If the temperature rises quickly, the fungus can die immediately. Some filamentous fungus will also disappear once the sun warms and dries the lawn. Other types of mold, such as powdery mildew, thrive in warm weather with high humidity.
Fungal diseases can go away on their own if you take good care of your lawn
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Fungus on Lawns
Step 1. Water the lawn only if needed
Most lawns only need 2-3 cm of water per week. Some people may water the lawn more often than necessary. Many molds thrive in humid conditions, so over-watering makes it easier for mold to grow.
- On the other hand, don't let the page get too dry. Dry soil makes grass weaker and more susceptible to disease.
- It's best to water the grass in the morning as the soil will absorb the water it needs and allow the excess water to evaporate for the rest of the day.
- If you use a sprinkler, do a test to make sure it is working properly. Measure how much water is sprayed onto the lawn so you can make adjustments if necessary.
Step 2. Use a slow-release fertilizer that contains a small amount of nitrogen
Fungal diseases can occur if you use too much or too little fertilizer. To maintain balance, choose an organic slow-release fertilizer that contains potassium and nitrogen. Fertilizer can make the grass stronger so it is more resistant to disease.
- Do not use fertilizers that contain too much nitrogen, as this can cause the grass to grow fast and weak, making it more susceptible to disease.
- Always follow the instructions on the packaging so that there are no errors in using the product.
Step 3. Remove all fallen leaves and litter the yard
Gray snow mold can grow under the leaves if left unchecked. To prevent mold growth, remove all leaves from the yard before the rainy season arrives.
Step 4. Choose the highest setting for your lawn mower
Cut only the height of the grass each time. Don't mow the grass all the way through. Leave the grass long and thick enough as the newly growing grass is weaker and more susceptible to fungal diseases. You may have to mow the lawn more often, but long grass will make your lawn healthier.
- Make sure the lawnmower blades are always sharp and clean.
- Before the rainy season, cut the grass shorter than usual to help protect the grass from moisture-loving fungi.
Step 5. Remove thatch layer from the page
The thatch layer usually consists of dead grass, leaves, roots and stalks, and may cover the soil. Soil needs air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Therefore, removing the thatch layer can help prevent fungal attacks.
- It is best to use a mechanical de-thatch machine, which is operated on gasoline. You may be able to rent it from a company that provides this kind of service.
- This process of cleaning the thatch layer is best done in the early months of the year.
Step 6. Aerate the lawn annually to loosen the soil
The process of aeration (adding oxygen to the water) will loosen the soil, and prevent it from becoming too dense. This step is very important and should be done at least once a year to ensure water, fertilizer and other treatments can penetrate the soil. Otherwise, the grass roots will not be able to fully absorb nutrients or other treatments.
Look online for information if you want to rent an aeration machine to help loosen the soil
Step 7. Topdress the lawn annually after the aeration process
Topdressing is the process of spreading a layer of fertile soil and good drainage material to help improve soil quality. The materials used usually include sharp sand, loam, peat, or compost. Topdressing can make your lawn healthier and help water absorb better, preventing excess moisture. Spread the topdressing material evenly on the page.
Before topdressing, you should remove the thatch layer and aerate the soil first
Tips
- Choose the type of grass that is most suitable for the climate and soil type in the area where you live. Real grass has a stronger defense against fungal spores. Many exotic grasses cannot defend against these spores.
- Brown spots on the lawn are not necessarily the work of mushrooms. This condition can be caused by other things, such as dry weather, nutrient-poor soil, insect outbreaks, or animal activity.
Warning
- Use fungicides carefully and correctly. Make sure you follow the directions on the packaging.
- Keep people and pets out of the lawn when using fungicides and afterward.
- Be careful when using chemical fungicides as these can be dangerous. For best results, block the area being treated for a few days afterward.
