What is Dollar Spot?

Fungus

Affected Varieties – All grasses

Dollar Spot is a fungal disease of most cool and warm season turfgrasses. It is identified by the spots that appear in the turf, usually expanding up to 6 inches or more in diameter. You’ll notice leaves with white or tan lesions and light reddish-brown margins. As the disease progresses, the leaves will become girdled and the upper part dies slowly and fuzzy white areas can be seen with the morning dew.

It begins growing in the spring, but the symptoms may not present themselves until late spring or early summer. The fungus requires extended periods of wetness.

While many factors can’t be controlled, like prolonged periods of wetness and cloudy weather are inevitable but there are factors that can reduce the occurrence of Dollar Spot.

Maintain a regular feeding and irrigation schedule to keep your lawn healthy and ready to battle the fungus if it appears.
Mow high, remove excess thatch, and encourage air movement to make your lawn less susceptible.
Avoid spreading the disease by washing equipment before entering an uninfected area, and by removing and disposing of clippings taken from infected areas.
Stop the problem before it starts by selecting varieties that are disease resistant.
If that is not an option, try a fungicide to control the disease.
Soil tests can be of value as well when determining what your lawn needs to be lush and healthy.