Dollar spot Fungal Disease

Dollar Spot usually appears as small, round, tan or straw-colored spots in the lawn. The spots are often about the size of a silver dollar at first, but they can grow together and create larger irregular patches.

On individual grass blades, Dollar Spot may cause light tan lesions with reddish-brown or darker borders. In the early morning, you may notice white, cobweb-like fungal growth on the grass when humidity is high or dew is present.

Dollar Spot develops when warm days, cool nights, high humidity, and long periods of leaf wetness create ideal conditions for disease. It is especially common when lawns are under-fertilized, drought-stressed, mowed too low, or growing in compacted soil.

Low nitrogen is one of the biggest factors that can make Dollar Spot worse. Lawns that are hungry, weak, or slow-growing are more likely to show symptoms and recover slowly.

Prevent Dollar Spot by keeping the lawn healthy and actively growing. Fertilize properly for your lawn type, water deeply and early in the morning, avoid frequent light watering, and reduce long periods of leaf wetness.

Mow at the proper height with a sharp blade, avoid scalping, and improve airflow in shaded or tight areas. Managing thatch and soil compaction can also help reduce future disease pressure.

Use a lawn fungicide labeled for Dollar Spot and safe for your grass type. Apply at the first signs of disease or preventively when conditions are favorable for Dollar Spot.

For repeat applications, rotate fungicide groups to reduce resistance risk. Pair fungicide treatment with good lawn care practices, especially proper fertilization and morning watering, so the turf can recover and fill back in.