Noticing small yellow patches on your lawn that keep spreading and give the turf a dry, dead look? You might be dealing with dollar spot, a common lawn disease that develops under specific conditions. The good news? With the right maintenance, you can limit its spread and help your lawn regain its vigor.
What is dollar spot?
Dollar spot is a fungal disease that causes light to moderate damage to lawns. It tends to develop when thatch and soil remain dry during a drought, especially when temperatures hover between 21 and 27°C (70–80°F) and humidity stays high. Hot, dry days followed by cool nights create the perfect conditions for the disease to appear. That’s why regular dethatching is important to prevent excessive buildup of organic matter at the soil surface.
Symptoms to watch for
Early signs of dollar spot include small yellowish patches, about 5 to 7 cm in diameter. If you look closely at the affected grass blades, you’ll notice pale brown hourglass-shaped lesions that pinch the center of the leaf. In more advanced cases, the spots merge together, making the lawn look severely damaged or dead. Another distinctive sign is the presence of a fine, cobweb-like mycelium, visible in early morning dew when humidity is high.
How to manage dollar spot
There is no cure for dollar spot, but proper cultural practices can control it and reduce its impact. One of the key factors is mowing height: keeping your lawn at about 8 cm helps strengthen its resilience. Once the disease is present, irrigation becomes crucial. Water frequently but lightly, allowing the lawn to dry out between waterings, and make sure the soil is well drained. As soon as temperatures return to normal and soil moisture is restored, the lawn typically begins to green up again.
Prevention and lawn repair
The best defense against dollar spot is prevention. Dethatching is essential to remove excess organic matter and improve airflow and water penetration. If the disease has caused serious damage, consider doing repair work after the drought, when the weather becomes more favorable. A complete service including dethatching, aeration, and overseeding can help restore a weakened lawn. By improving soil structure and introducing more resilient grass varieties, you’ll boost the overall health of your lawn and reduce the chances of recurrence.
With proper monitoring and the right maintenance techniques, dollar spot can be effectively managed. A well-cared-for lawn will bounce back quickly.
Need help keeping your lawn healthy? Don’t hesitate to contact your Nutrite Expert!
