How do I protect my lawn from fungus?

Question

My lawn has developed a fungus of some kind that seems to be slowly spreading. It is medium grey in color and leaves a black stain on your skin if touched. My dogs have developed an allergy to it so I need to find out which chemical I can spray on it to wipe it out completely. Any ideas?

Answer 1

I would buy an aff-th-shelf fungicide from the hardware store.
This is unusual.

Answer 2

be careful applying a fungicide ... your dogs have already been exposed to something that has likely weakened their system and to add chemicals to the mix might compound the danger to them.

Do NOT water at night... watering in the morning so that the lawn can receive the benefit and then can dry out is one of the best things you can do to both keep it green and hopefully stop the fungus. Another side effect of the damp night and fungus will be weakening of the root system which will invite pests and then you will be adding yet another chemical and exposing your pets to that as well. It's a vicious cycle -- go organic!!
You didn't say where you are, but the local nursery probably has seen this or heard the complaint before - ask someone knowledgeable (in fact, ask several and make sure they are aware of your having animals that are being effected).

Answer 3

Any cheaper bardeaux fungicide. That means general purpose.
Keep pets and people off the lawn until the fungus is killed. Dogs tend to shake their heads vigorously because their ears itch. Fungus is sometimes caused by not enough air ventilation. Branches too close together for air movement. Sometimes cutting down a tree for more sun will get rid of the fungus. Something that is moist and dark is promoting the fungus. Just like between your toes.

Answer 4

Are you watering your lawn too much? Is it shaded? Are you mowing at the proper height? Are you applying too much fertilizer? What are the growth requirements for the type of grass you have? What type of grass do you have? All of these things are conducive for fungal growth in turfgrass. What you want to try BEFORE you apply any fungicide is make sure you are providing the best growth environment for the turf. Healthy turf can easily fight off disease and pests, but if the turf is at all stressed, those pests will take off. In short, for disease to occur in turf or any plant, a susceptible host, a conducive environment, and the presence of a pathogen is required. So, knock out one of those things and you will no longer have the problem. Typically, watering is the problem in home lawns. I would also send a sample to your local disease clinic so they can tell you what pathogen is in your lawn. They can also recommend a fungicide if needed. Fungicides are not always the solution.

Answer 5

Ferti -Lome makes a granular fungicide for lawns. I can't remember the name, but it used to be in a brown-colored bag. In the meantime, quit any watering if you haven't already. Go to one of your local nurseries. Usually, the people there know alot more than those at the big retailers. Bring pictures, or even a sample or the grass for a correct diagnosis and proper treatment.

Answer 6

Check out the ezlawnguide. There is a lot of information regarding lawns. It may be helpful.

Answer 7

I heard aerating your lawn should help prevent a bunch of different lawn diseases. Has anyone tried this and how did they go about it? Here's that article http://www.lawndoctor.com/content/fungicide-lawn-protection-and-preventative-lawn-maintenance

Answer 8

for your animals sack I'd have it checked out by a professional doesn't sound normal to me what effects dogs most often times effects children

Answer 9

Try the forums at http://www.suburbangarden.com/ they are geared more toward this type of questions

Answer 10

maybe try a light mix of bleach and water.

not to much bleach though it will kill the grass