How to fix lawn after dollar spot?

How to Fix Your Lawn After Dollar Spot Damage

If you’ve noticed unsightly patches of dead or browned grass on your lawn, you might be dealing with dollar spot, a common fungal disease that affects turf. While it can be frustrating to see your lush green lawn compromised, the good news is that with the right approach, you can effectively restore your lawn’s health and appearance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical steps on how to fix your lawn after dollar spot damage, ensuring it becomes vibrant and healthy once again.

Understanding Dollar Spot and Its Impact on Your Lawn

Dollar spot is a fungal disease caused by the pathogen Sclerotinia homoeocarpa. It’s most prevalent during warm, humid, and dewy conditions, typically affecting the turf in the late spring and summer months. The disease manifests as small, round, straw-colored spots that can merge to form larger patches, significantly reducing the lawn’s aesthetic appeal. Knowing how dollar spot impacts your grass helps you respond more effectively and implement targeted treatment measures.

Immediate Steps to Take After Detecting Dollar Spot

The first step in fixing your lawn after dollar spot is to act promptly. Early intervention minimizes damage and speeds up recovery. Here’s what you should do:

Identify affected areas clearly by inspecting your lawn regularly.
Reduce watering frequency to prevent excess moisture, which favors fungal growth.
Rake and remove dead grass and debris to facilitate airflow and reduce fungal spores.
Avoid fertilizing excessively with nitrogen, as lush, quick-growing grass is more susceptible to disease.

Effective Treatment Options for Dollar Spot

To effectively combat dollar spot and prevent recurrence, consider applying appropriate fungicides and adopting cultural practices. Applying fungicide treatments tailored to dollar spot can be highly effective when combined with good lawn care habits.

Use a fungicide containing propiconazole, chlorothalonil, or other proven active ingredients for dollar spot control.
Apply fungicides early in the disease cycle, typically when spots are first noticed.
Follow label instructions carefully to ensure safe and effective application.
Reapply fungicides as recommended, usually every 14-21 days, especially during humid conditions.

Grass Recovery Techniques After Dollar Spot Damage

Once you’ve treated against dollar spot, focus on encouraging healthy grass growth to fill in damaged patches. Here are some practical methods:

Maintain proper mowing heights—generally around 2.5 to 3 inches for cool-season grasses—to promote strong roots.
Implement aeration to improve soil drainage and airflow, reducing fungal susceptibility.
Overseed impacted areas with fresh grass seed to accelerate patch recovery.
Ensure consistent watering, favoring deep, infrequent watering to promote deep root growth.
Adjust fertility practices, favoring balanced fertilization to support healthy turf without encouraging disease.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Future Dollar Spot Outbreaks

Prevention is always better than cure. To safeguard your lawn against future dollar spot infections, consider implementing these proactive measures:

Maintain proper lawn mowing practices and avoid cutting grass too short.
Ensure good drainage and proper soil aeration to minimize excess moisture buildup.
Apply a preventive fungicide during high-risk periods, especially if you’ve experienced previous outbreaks.
Manage thatch buildup, as thick thatch layers can harbor fungal organisms.
Practice integrated pest management by keeping your lawn healthy and stress-free from other issues.

Why Choose Mike Greco Landscaping for Your Lawn Care Needs

At Mike Greco Landscaping, we understand how challenging lawn diseases like dollar spot can be. As a trusted nationwide free connection service, we specialize in connecting homeowners and property managers with expert local lawncare and landscaping contractors. Our team is committed to helping you restore and maintain a beautiful, healthy lawn, using industry-leading techniques and environmentally friendly solutions.

Whether you’re dealing with dollar spot or want to prevent future problems, our network of skilled professionals offers personalized advice and tailored services to meet your specific needs. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service, quality workmanship, and reliable results. When you work with us, you gain access to top-rated lawncare providers who are dedicated to helping your lawn thrive.

Take Action Today and Get Your Lawn Back in Shape

If your lawn has been affected by dollar spot and you’re looking for expert assistance, don’t wait. A healthy, green lawn is just a call away. Contact Mike Greco Landscaping today to connect with trusted local lawncare and landscaping contractors who can diagnose, treat, and restore your lawn effectively. Our team is standing by to provide you with the best solutions and help you achieve a lush, vibrant yard you can be proud of. Call us today and take the first step toward a healthier lawn!