Date Posted:1 November 2024
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As spring settles across Australia, it's the perfect time to give your lawn some well-deserved care. This season brings a surge of growth and energy, along with the possibility of lawn diseases that can impact its lush, green appearance. To keep your lawn healthy and vibrant, it's important to identify and address these common issues early on, focusing on solutions that help minimise chemical use. Here’s a guide to the top five spring lawn diseases and tips for managing them sustainably.
1. FAIRY RING
| What It Is: | Fairy ring is a fungal disease characterised by dark green rings on your lawn, often with white mushrooms appearing along the edges. The affected grass may turn tan or brown, and these rings can expand if left untreated. |
| Causes: | Fairy ring is caused by the fungus Marasmius oreades, which thrives on dead organic matter in the soil. Excessive soil moisture, poor drainage, and the presence of organic debris like fallen leaves or old tree stumps can exacerbate its spread. |
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2. BROWN PATCH
| What It Is: | Brown patch appears as irregular patches of brown grass, ranging from a few inches to several feet. It affects both warm-season and cool-season grasses, targeting the roots and crowns, and can cause severe damage if left untreated. |
| Causes: | This fungal disease thrives in humid conditions when temperatures reach around 18°C and is aggravated by poor drainage, overwatering, excessive fertilisation, and inadequate air circulation. |
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3. DOLLAR SPOT
| What It Is: | Dollar spot is identified by straw-coloured patches of dead grass, often with a reddish-brown border. These patches are roughly the size of a silver dollar and can merge to form larger areas of dead grass in severe cases. |
| Causes: | The fungus Sclerotinia homoeocarpa causes this disease, thriving in warm, humid conditions, particularly after rainy nights. It spreads through the air or by contact with grass blades. |
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4. RED THREAD
| What It Is: | Red thread, also known as pink patch, is common in spring and is recognisable by red or coral-pink thread-like strands on the tips of grass blades. These strands can clump into web-like masses, leading to brown patches. |
| Causes: | This disease thrives in warm, humid conditions, especially in nutrient-deficient or poorly draining soils. |
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5. LEAF SPOT
| What It Is: | Leaf spot is a common disease affecting warm-season grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine. It appears as circular tan or brown lesions on grass blades, which can turn dark brown or black as the infection progresses. |
| Causes: | Leaf spot thrives in warm, humid conditions and can spread rapidly if not controlled. It weakens grass, leading to thinning and dieback. |
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By staying vigilant and following these preventative measures, you can keep your lawn healthy and beautiful throughout the spring season. Embrace these tips to enjoy a vibrant, disease-free lawn all year long!
Happy lawning!
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