Content
- Grass Diseases: Mushrooms occur in wet conditions and poor ventilation
- Reasons for a fungal attack and what you can do about it
- Mow and clear the lawn regularly
- Which fungal diseases occur in the lawn?
- snow mold
- Rotspritzigkeit
- Dollar spot
- Brown patch
- Fairy rings
- slime molds
- Tips
Fungal diseases are often noticeable by stains in the lawn
Grass Diseases: Mushrooms occur in wet conditions and poor ventilation
Lawn can become susceptible to fungal diseases for a variety of reasons. Common causes of fungal infestation are poor drainage (i.e., the air can no longer circulate sufficiently), too much moisture, and / or incorrect nutrient content or pH of the soil. In addition, some grasses are more sensitive than others, where sometimes rainy weather is enough.
Reasons for a fungal attack and what you can do about it
Most fungal diseases are caused by poor ventilation and high humidity. However, you can reduce the risk by periodically scarifying the lawn to prevent or remove felt. The air circulation can also be improved by cutting overhanging trees. Use a lawn razor or a thin bamboo stick to remove excess moisture from the stalks (especially in the morning!) While aerating loosens compacted soil and allows air to reach the roots.
Mow and clear the lawn regularly
Regular mowing keeps the grass healthy and strong, and you should clear the cut. This measure prevents the accumulation and spreading of fungal spores, which feel very well in the typically moist environment of mulch material. In addition, you should not fertilize too nitrogen-stressed in autumn. This would promote overly lush growth, which in turn is susceptible to snow mold, rust and other fungal diseases.
Which fungal diseases occur in the lawn?
snow mold
The fungal disease caused by various fungal pathogens usually occurs in the cold season, especially after a quick fall. It shows yellow or brown spots in the lawn, which have a reddish-brown edge and are sometimes covered with a spiderweb-like white surface. The risk of disease is reduced by the regular scarifying and a moderate nitrogen fertilization.
Rotspritzigkeit
Rotspritzigkeit is caused by the fungus Laetisaria fuciformis and shows itself by first red, later brown colored blades of grass. The disease leads to the death of the lawn, whereby the exciters in the form of sclerotia slumber for years in the ground and can break out again at any time. Often, the Rotspritzigkeit occurs after wet summers and autumns, also can be behind a lack of nitrogen.
Dollar spot
This disease is caused by the fungus Sclerotinia homoeocarpa, whose mycelium adheres to the leaves but does not penetrate the soil. The first signs are small, straw-yellow spots that gradually spread. The lawn is particularly endangered in late summer or autumn on compacted soils and on soils with a high pH value.
Brown patch
The fungus Rhizoctonia solani needs moist and warm conditions and therefore occurs especially in early and late summer. It penetrates the roots as well as the leaves and appears in the form of brown spots on the grass stalks. In case of heavy infestation, the fungus spreads flat and leaves light brown, withered grasses. Infestation can only be prevented by good lawn care.
Fairy rings
As witch rings are called semi-circular or circular from the lawn awake cap mushrooms. These are the fruiting bodies of an underground awake mycelium that grows outwards from the center of the circle. Dig deep the entire area and make a soil exchange - this is the only way to remove the mycelium sustainable.
slime molds
Slime molds occur predominantly in late summer and autumn. They do not really damage the grass, but are pretty unsightly. There are no countermeasures, but you can reduce the risk of infection by regularly aerating and scarifying. The mushrooms can be removed by spraying with a jet of water.
Tips
Mushroom spores can not only be driven by the wind or introduced by animals, but also be spread by poorly cleaned tools and machines. Therefore, you should (especially in loaner!) Ensure good hygiene and clean all tools thoroughly before and after each use and disinfect.