Though a healthy, beautiful lawn can increase your home’s value by up to 11 percent, lawn fungus, such as powdery mildew and other allergens, can mar the look of your green turf and reduce your real estate value. But it’s about more than just appearances. Fungus growth often signals regions of lawn maintenance which require improvement. Several home remedies and changes to your cultural practices can help you quickly eradicate this issue.
Reduce Shade
The cool temperatures and moist conditions which shade creates are prime for various kinds of fungus, such as basement rust and powdery mildew. Trim back overhanging shrubs and tree branches which may be keeping your turf in the dark, and consider moving problematic lawn constructions such as chairs. By letting the sun shine on your own turf, you help speed up the rate at which the lawn heats up and dries out, helping eliminate the fungus and discourage fungus regrowth.
Mow Regularly
You must mow your lawn once a week or as needed to keep them at the suggested height for the particular species of grass which you are growing. Allowing grass to receive too long creates several fungus-related problems. For instance, taller grass reduces light and air penetration to the Biblical layer, which promotes fungus. Inadequate mowing also does not encourage vigorous root growth, which contributes to weaker grass that is more prone to disease. Regular mowing creates grass conditions which are not hospitable to fungus growth, and can help remove existing fungus.
Change Your Watering
Constant watering produces moist leaf and waterlogged soil that attracts fungus such as mushrooms. Reducing watering may often quickly correct such fungus problems and halt the growth and spread of disease. Quit watering your lawn and just water it after it begins to show the first signs of drought stress, such as minor curling of the grass blades. Allowing the turf to dry out completely between waterings quickly dehydrates and kills various kinds of fungus. Always water in the morning to give the grass time to dry out during the afternoon.
Add Nitrogen
Various kinds of fungus, such as red thread fungus, are attracted to nutrient-deficient lawns. The fungus thrives in poor soil conditions while the bud, diminished by poor mineral levels, isn’t healthy enough to withstand the illness. Adding nitrogen can often quickly correct this, using roughly 3 pounds of 16-6-8 fertilizer for every 500 square feet of lawn.