When warm, rainy weather comes to Texas, it’s all but a certainty that grey leaf spot follows. This fungus is bad news for Texas lawns. At its worst, it can cause large sections of turf to die. If you suspect that you have grey leaf spot, contact us for the most effective solution. Grey leaf spot is caused by a fungus known as Pyricularia grisea. If we get hit with a particularly rainy spring, then you may begin to see oblong spots on your grass blades. Actually, people first notice that a patch of their lawn isn’t thriving the way it should. It looks sparse, and no amount of water or fertilizer seems to make much difference. Upon closer inspection, the reason becomes clear. Blades of grass in that patch of lawn have brown spots with a darker border. Some have the signature grey formation of spores in the center of the spot. What may have once been a vigorously growing section of grass is now beginning to waste away.
Grey Leaf Spot Management
Good lawn management techniques help to reduce the likelihood that you’ll see grey leaf spot in your grass. For instance, we recommend watering between early in the morning for optimum results. This allows the grass blades to dry relatively quickly on a sunny day while still getting the proper hydration. This quick dry out means that grey leaf spot doesn’t have ideal growing conditions, thereby lessening the chances of its occurrence. Watering in the late afternoon or evening is not recommended because grass leaves will be wet for extended periods of time, leaving them vulnerable to all sorts of problems. Do not water at night, that is the worst time.
Another important step to take to guard your lawn from grey leaf spot is the application of a fungicide. While a few lawn fungicides are available for purchase by the public, we recommend against approaching this as a do-it-yourself project. Fungicide can be harmful and even dangerous if not applied properly or with the wrong equipment. A professional lawn maintenance company has the necessary safety equipment and knowledge to get the job done right. It’s safer for you, your family and the environment. If you believe that you have grey leaf spot in your lawn, give us a call. Grey leaf spot can clear up when the weather conditions clear up or it can get worse and cause problems. Let us look at it and work with you to make sure it doesn’t become a problem.
