Navigating Hot Spots and Pythium Disease in Your Lawn: Expert Tips
As we progress through the summer, many homeowners are encountering troublesome "hot spots" in their lawns, accompanied by a surge in pythium disease. Here are some valuable insights from our expert Maintenance Team to help manage your lawn during these challenging times. Remember that each property has its unique needs and there is not a “one size fits all” correction.
Optimizing Your Irrigation System
To maintain a healthy lawn, it's advisable to run your irrigation systems five days a week. For lawn areas using rotating or gear drives, each zone should receive at least one hour of watering. Stationary heads can suffice with 15 minutes per zone. The goal is to achieve deep soaking, allowing the roots to absorb sufficient moisture while ensuring the lawn dries out during the day.
Be vigilant about areas that remain overly wet and adjust those zones accordingly. This delicate balance requires continuous monitoring. Despite the occasional afternoon storms, it is crucial not to turn off your irrigation system even if you experience a brief 15-minute downpour. Irrigation serves to keep your lawn alive during dry spells but cannot replace the natural benefits of rainfall.
Understanding the Impact of Rain
Natural rain does more than just water your lawn; it provides essential nutrients that enhance the green, vibrant appearance of your grass. While irrigation and fertilizers support lawn health, they cannot replicate the rejuvenating effects of a good rain. This is why your lawn appears particularly lush and green after a rainfall.
Identifying and Addressing Hot Spots
Hot spots occur when insufficient water reaches certain areas of your lawn. You may notice leaves curling up as the grass tries to conserve moisture, sometimes giving these spots a bluish or silver tint before they eventually brown. It's a common misconception that a visible stream of water from your sprinkler ensures adequate irrigation. The sprinkler's diffuser, which creates a "rain curtain," may malfunction, leading to uneven water distribution. This can result in greener arcs of growth around the hot spots.
To test your irrigation system's effectiveness, place bowls around your lawn, run a full cycle, and measure the water in each bowl. This will help identify any inconsistencies. Ensure you have "head-to-head" coverage, where streams from one sprinkler head reach the next, providing even watering. Look out for obstructions like tall grass, shrubs, or dirt that might block the streams, and adjust any misaligned sprinkler heads caused by mowing or other lawn activities.
Combating Pythium Disease
Pythium disease thrives in stressed areas, particularly in hot spots and drought conditions. As discussed in previous newsletters, stressed grass is more susceptible to diseases, and pythium is a prime example. This pathogen waits for the grass to open up to absorb water, then swiftly attacks. Although pythium can cause rapid damage, it's not always fatal. Quick intervention can lead to recovery. Our Lawn Disease Program, combined with compost materials in affected areas, can significantly aid the recovery process.
By staying proactive and attentive to your lawn's needs, you can mitigate the effects of hot spots and pythium disease, ensuring a healthier, more resilient lawn throughout the summer.
