If dead, round spots of grass start emerging in once...

If dead, round spots of grass start emerging in once plush, green lawn, youre most likely not a happy camper. Rather than settling for a less-than-perfect turf that affects the aesthetic appeal of your property, determine what is causing the spots of dead grass as soon as you notice them. Whether youre dealing with a lawn disease or insect infestation, quick action on your part can stop the problem in its tracks. Lawn Diseases Spring dead spot, rhizoctonia large patch, dollar spot, and fusarium and pythium blight, are some of the lawn diseases that can trigger round, dead spots that can range in diameter from 1 inch to 1 foot. Some start out small and get bigger, while others merge together to form a large dead patch. Diseases only†¦show more content†¦Other insect pests that can damage your lawn, resulting in dead patches that are not necessarily round, include billbugs and grubs. A visual inspection or drench test can help determine what type of pest youre dealing with. (See References 3 and 4) Proper Lawn Care Proper care can prevent damage to your lawn. To prevent disease-encouraging conditions, incorporate sound watering and fertilizing practices that are geared toward the type of grass youre growing. Cool-season grasses, for instance, are less drought resistant and need more water than warm-season grasses. To maintain even growth, apply 4 to 6 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn each year. Although growth rate of differs per grass type, keep the grass at its recommended height, mowing no more than one-third of the leaf blade, because removing more increases disease susceptibility. (See References 1) Key Concepts dead grass lawn round lawn spots grass spot damage References UC IPM Online: Lawn Diseases: Prevention and Management [http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7497.html] Texas AM Agrilife Extension: Dog-On-It Lawn Problems [http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/turf/Dog_lawn_problems.html] UC IPM Online: Lawn Insects [http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7476.html] Seedland: Climate Maps, Grass Type Chart More [http://www.lawngrasses.com/info/climate-map.html#.U0cXhaITU1I]