Winter is here for many of us and it’s a bit of a down time for lawn care and yard maintenance.
That’s why we are taking this time to think warmer thoughts about green lawns and spring weather. We are also thinking about things we can do to make sure our lawn is ready for a healthy spring season once Old Man Winter leaves us in a few months.
One thing you always want to keep an eye out for is lawn disease. A healthy lawn leads to a happy lawn owner and there’s plenty you can do to keep your grass green and disease-free.
Believe it or not, there are more than 400 species of fungi that are known to make lawns their homes. Many of the fungal diseases that affect lawns are seasonal and don’t do any permanent damage. However, there are dozens of fungal diseases that are potentially harmful. Knowing what to look for can be tricky at times. A little knowledge on lawn disease can keep your lawn green and keep you from feeling blue.
There are things you should know now and things you can do to prevent lawn disease in the first place.
Have your soil tested. Things like pH problems and nutrient deficiencies can create conditions that mimic fungal disease. They can also make a lawn susceptible to fungal disease. Grab a large, stainless steel spoon and take samples of dry soil in the lawn. Take a few samples, from various locations on the lawn. Take the samples to a local nursery that offers soil sampling services. Talk to the nursery about steps you can take if the samples show a nutrient deficiency or pH problems.
This is also a good time to remind you that it’s a good idea to water your lawn early in the day. Grasses that are moist, especially during the night, are more susceptible to fungal diseases. The early watering will allow the grass blades to have all day to dry out. You can set the timer on a lawn sprinkler system to make sure your grass always gets a healthy breakfast of water.