🔍 How to Identify Dollar Spot:

Appears as small, circular patches about the size of a dollar coin (can expand to 6 inches or more in diameter).
Grass blades remain upright with white or tan lesions that have light reddish-brown margins.
As lesions expand, the upper part of the leaf dies slowly.
If the disease progresses, grass can die down to the soil, merging into large blighted areas.
Short, fuzzy white mycelium may be visible in the morning dew on affected turf.

🌡️ When & How Dollar Spot Develops:

The fungus begins growing in spring when nighttime temperatures exceed 50°F, though symptoms may not appear until late spring or early summer.
Requires 10-12 hours of continuous leaf wetness to develop.
Heavy dews, overcast weather, and extended wet conditions promote disease outbreaks.
Activity slows when temperatures exceed 90°F but remains active throughout summer in many areas.

🌱 Factors That Worsen Dollar Spot:

Nitrogen-deficient turf is more susceptible and recovers more slowly.
Drought stress, excessive thatch, frequent irrigation, and poor air circulation increase disease severity.

✅ Improve Soil & Turf Health:

Apply adequate nitrogen and nutrients to promote recovery and prevent disease onset.
Reduce drought stress with proper irrigation practices.

💧 Irrigation Best Practices:

Water deeply and infrequently, based on soil moisture rather than a set schedule.
Irrigate early in the morning (midnight - 6 AM) to minimize extended leaf wetness.

🌳 Reduce Humidity & Improve Airflow:

🍂 Thatch & Clipping Management:

Thatch buildup encourages dollar spot—reduce it with vertical mowing, power raking, and aeration.
Avoid spreading infected leaf tissue by collecting and properly disposing of clippings from infected areas.

Dollar Spot Fungus

Fairy Ring Fungus