The Grass Doctor

We have a new lawn and there is fungus spots all over it.. How do we treat it?

Hello, I live on the Cape in MA. We had about 6 loads of soil put down and then an irrigation system put in place at the beginning of June. Hyroseeed cam next. The lawn is full of these slimy spots now with nothing growing. The lawn man says it is a fungus and he is planning on hydroseeding over them( there are many). What would you suggest be done? Thanks so much Donna"

Public Comments

1. Sounds like "fairy spot'..a fungal spray may be necessary to control it..you can't control it by covering it over...HAHA..the spores may have have present in the soil and the heat of summer and overhead water prompts the fungus to spread...Spray with appropriate fungicide...see your local nursery...before covering with extra seed..which can be mixed with a fungicide..to prevent further diseases...'fairy ring' is relatively minor...kill the disease and try and decrease the humidity...HAHA..till the seasons mesh. Good Luck.
2. I'm not sure if it is fairy ring, that usually makes your lawn greener in infected areas. Whatever fungus it is, he is right that you cannot cover it up. It will just get worse, you need to apply a fungicide. Go to a garden center and get a spray that is specifically for lawns; a systemic one if they have it will work best.
3. First of all, your lawn man needs to go back to school to learn his trade. You more than likely have what is called "Pythium Blight" or "Grease Spot", hence the name. It is a fungus that attacks during a time of high humidity and hot conditions. It can destroy a lawn overnight, when the conditions are right. Grease Spot thrives if you have been watering the lawn at night, especially when the air is warm and humid. Your lawn man can't reseed until you or he, treat the lawn first. Go to Walmart, or Home Depot and purchase a product called Ortho "Garden Disease Control" It contains the ingredient "chlorothalonil" a broad spectrum fungicide. It's one of the best on the market and I have used it for over 20 yrs with great success. It controls over 130 diseases and funguses in the landscape, including treatments for trees, shrubs, vegetables, and turf. You can purchase a pint for under $20.00 dollars. Here is a link with the info to compare your findings, just to see if this is what you truly have infecting your turf. Hope this answers your question.. http://www.spring-green.com/Pythium.aspx http://www.ortho.com/index.cfm/event/ProductGuide.product/documentId/031ae09d4fc805010313841419e1c54d **Billy Ray**
4. Tide POWDER laundry detergent....or yellow corn meal. It works wonders on lawn fungus. I have hear that beer works too!