The polarizing climates across the U.S. from extreme heat, droughts, and flooding have been incredibly stressful to lawns as we enter the heart of the summer.
Of particular occurrence has been Dollar Spot and Slime Mold – two unique issues plaguing lawns that aren’t commonly known to homeowners and commercial property managers.
Dollar Spot is caused by a fungal organism and often appears in the early summer as dead, straw-like spots that are the size of a silver dollar (1.50 Inches; 38.10 MM).
The fungus typically impacts warm and cool-season grasses (fescues, bluegrass, zoysia, etc.) and is easily spread by simply walking on an infected area of your lawn.
Dollar Spot is caused by prolonged moisture on the blades of the grass. Humidity, over-watering, dew, standing water puddles, and late-day watering are just a few of the circumstances which can cause the Dollar Spot fungus to come alive. While it won’t kill your lawn, it can be unsightly. There are a few ways to prevent it from occurring, however.
Moisture tends to stay on the tips of the grass. Therefore, if you mow your lawn too short, too much water will pool on the blades creating the perfect environment for Dollar Spot. Additionally, not providing your lawn with enough nourishment makes it more susceptible to diseases throughout the year.
If you suspect Dollar Spot on your lawn, contact SavATree today for a complete evaluation and an effective treatment plan.
Another issue appearing on lawns this season is Slime Mold.
A primordial organism called saprophyte, which is often responsible for breaking down dead or decaying matter through feeding, Slime Mold uses blades of grass as a place in which to “grow’ spores. The mold is not severe for lawns and often occurs during the summer months after a particularly wet season.
If Slime Mold is disturbed by kicking or with a garden tool, a powdery substance will be released – these are the spores. But again, this is not a condition to worry about, and you can take solace in the reality that your lawn has plenty of healthy microbial activity.
While treatment isn’t necessary for Slime Mold, as it will naturally disappear on its own, you can use a broom to sweep it away, wash it off with a stream of water, or mow over the area to dislodge the spores as they can be unpleasant to look at.
Mother Nature is always surprising homeowners and commercial property managers with something new during the growing season. So this year, be on the lookout for unusual and sudden appearances, as they could be Dollar Spot or Slime Mold.
For questions or a lawn evaluation, contact SavATree today!
