Mastering Dollar Spot: A Comprehensive Guide for Lawn Enthusiasts

As we transition from late spring into the warmth of summer, many lawn aficionados encounter an unwelcome guest: Dollar Spot. This pervasive disease thrives in wet, humid conditions, especially when leaves remain wet for 10 to 12 continuous hours. Prolonged periods of overcast weather only exacerbate the issue. However, there's hope—Dollar Spot tends to abate when daytime temperatures soar above 90 degrees. So, one key strategy is to let your yard dry out!

Dollar Spot manifests as small brown to light tan spots, roughly the size of a silver dollar. It's worth noting that while money doesn't grow on trees, neither should Dollar Spot on your lawn. In Zoysia and Centipede lawns, these lesions can be larger and more persistent, while in Bermuda lawns, they may merge into more extensive patches. Early in the morning, when dew is present, you might even spot fuzzy white mycelium in the affected areas.

Though rarely causing permanent damage, Dollar Spot can significantly mar the aesthetic appeal of your lawn. In grasses with longer blades, such as Zoysia and Centipede, the entire leaf may brown and take longer to recover compared to Bermuda grass.

Lawns deficient in nitrogen and other essential nutrients are particularly vulnerable to Dollar Spot and are slower to bounce back. Adhering to a regular fertilization program is crucial. Our tailored program delivers 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet to ensure your lawn receives the necessary nutrients. Adjusting your watering schedule is equally important—water during dew hours and allow the lawn to dry out during the day, but be mindful of potential dry spots as drought stress can be equally detrimental.

The typical treatment for Dollar Spot involves applying fertilizer to stimulate growth and then mowing the affected spots. However, this might not suffice, especially for Zoysia and Centipede, which take longer to regrow. Fungicides can aid recovery and offer short-term protection. Preventative fungicide programs are also an option, though they require multiple applications every 30 to 45 days throughout the season. While this approach doesn't guarantee complete immunity, it does enhance recovery rates.