Dollar Spot...It's Not What You Think

Though the name may suggest a positive connotation, dollar spot  is something to be avoided.   Visiting properties throughout Plymouth Meeting and Jenkintown, disease activity is on rise this summer, given the warm, damp conditions throughout Montgomery County.

Occurring in lawns most commonly during warm weather, dollar spot is a fungus that enters grass plants when they are wet. Infected grass blades are riddled with large, tan-colored wounds that result in damaged patches the size of silver dollars in the lawn. If the disease becomes more serious, the patches can expand and damage the entire lawn.
The best method for controlling dollar spot is to alter present lawn care practices. Promoting a healthy lawn in all aspects bolsters your yard’s defense and ability to fight off a fungus like dollar spot.

Hourglass lesions are a common indication of dollar spot disease

Dollar spot is a nitrogen deficient disease, proper fertilization can help manage the disease.

Watering should ideally be done in the morning. Waiting until later in the day allowing standing water to accumulate overnight is not at all beneficial to your lawn’s health. Overwatering is not necessarily the answer, and in fact watering less frequently could be of help.

Additionally, try raising the height of your lawn mower and, if possible, avoid mowing in the evening. Keep your lawn clear of debris and all trees adequately trimmed in order to facilitate air movement. Also, be sure to maintain the thatch layer at ½ inch or less.

If the symptoms of dollar spot persist, contact a lawn care professional.