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Information About Turf Diseases
Turf grass diseases are difficult to understand because the biological organisms causing the problems are rarely observed. Fortunately, grasses maintained using proper cultural practices (water, mowing, and fertiliser) are not as likely to become diseased or be as severely damaged as grasses not receiving proper care. All types of turf can be affected by diseases, read below to learn more.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is especially common during warm, humid weather. Identified through irregularly shaped patches that have infected areas, it is a reddish-brown colour that turns yellow and tan. The younger leaves are generally red. Treat with an approved fungicide.
Brown Patch
Brown patch is a disease of summer and early autumn when the weather is cool and wet. The characteristic of brown patch is the “smoke ring” with the disease. This ring of dark grey (fungus mycelium) is not always present, but when it is, it sits around the infected area and will disappear as the foliage dries. The affected areas can grow up to a total of one metre in diameter. Brown patch occurs in all mainland states and is widespread in NSW. Treat with an approved fungicide to get rid of.
Dollar Spot
The name of this disease comes from its appearance. When appearing, the dead straw-coloured spots are about the size of a dollar. Commonly found in seasons with low rainfall due to the effect of low soil moisture in the grass, Dollar Spot is active between early summer and early autumn. To get rid of, it is recommended you treat with an approved fungicide.
Fairy ring
A circle or arc of stimulated grass or toadstools, fairy rings appear during the spring or summer. Varying from a few centimetres to 20 metres in diameter, the lush growth rings in the lawn are caused by the release of nutrients, nitrogen in particular, from the activity of the fungus living on organic matter in the soil. The hydrophobic nature of the soil profile needs to be reversed using wetting agents and then the use of an appropriate fungicide.
Winter Fusarium
A common disease found in the colder season, Winter Fusarium usually impacts finer grass such as those used on bowling and golf greens. They appear as small circular water-soaked spots less than 5cm in diameter. Soils that are high in nitrogen and low in phosphorous and potassium favour this disease. Balance fertility and soil pH, increase air circulation.
Helminthosporium Leaf Spot/Black
This disease can occur at any time of the year. It generally happens when there is a lot of moisture around and not much wind to dry the grasses. Helminthosporium Leaf Spot/Black causes small lesions on the leaf blades.
Pythium/Damping Off
This disease is prevalent in hot, humid weather and where there is poor drainage and air circulation. The patches of infection enlarge at a rapid rate.
Red thread
Dead leaves interspersed with uninfected leaves is one of the first symptoms. Occurring in spring and autumn during humid periods, this disease is severe on slow-growing lawns that are nitrogen-deficient. A noticeable symptom is the water-soaked patches of grass that appear in the spring. The infected grass blades soon die and fade to a bleach tan colour when dry.
Rolf’s Disease
Rolf’s Disease occurs in the warm conditions of spring and summer. Circular areas of 15-45cm in diameter appear with rings of dead grass.
Spring Dead Spot
Spring Dead Spot favours cool, wet weather and daily temperatures of less than 15C. True to its name, it generally comes out in spring when grass resumes growth and appears in circular areas of dead grass that are 15-30cm in diameter. It has a more severe impact on mature turf and in areas with long winters and cold temperatures.
Take All Patch
Mainly active in cool, wet yards, Take All Patch is often seen on lawns with poorly drained soil. First appearing with yellowing leaves and a darkening of the roots, small, light brown dead patches will appear and then continually spread. When winter hits, the affected areas turn grey.
* Turfgrass Disease Management M.L.Elliot and G.W.Simone
Learn More About Lawn Care
Want to succeed with your new lawn? Read more about preparing your site, laying your turf, watering, fertilising, turf maintenance, lawn insects and weeds, or visit our lawn care store.
Lawn Maintenance Chart
Below is a general turf maintenance chart that will ensure your lawn looks good all-year-round. Please consult with your turf supplier to check that this is the right routine for your turf variety as some may vary depending on the location and weather conditions.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilising For a healthy green lawn, fertilise every 6-8 weeks |  | | | | | | | | | |||
| Spraying Spray your lawn with grub killer and fungicide in the warmer, humid months | | | | | | | ||||||
| Weed Spraying During the cooler time of year to prevent excessive damage to turf | | | | | | |||||||
| Top Dressing During spring time when your lawn is growing more rapidly | | | |
Find the perfect turf variety for your lawn
Explore our range and find the right grass for your lawn.
Sir Walter Buffalo Turf
Low maintenance and great for active families.
AUD$ 15.00 Including GST per m2
TifTuf Bermuda Grass
A great looking lawn with little water requirements.
AUD$ 14.00 Including GST per m2
Zoysia Australis Turf
Great all-rounder turf for families and pets.
AUD$ 15.00 Including GST per m2
Eureka Kikuyu PBR Turf
A vibrant grass that is perfect for kids and pets.
AUD$ 8.80 Including GST per m2
Nullarbor Couch Turf
The ideal grass for properties with traffic.
AUD$ 7.70 Including GST per m2
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