Yard Doctor: Central Southeast

Leaf spot (Dreschlera spp. and Bipolaris spp.)

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Leaf spot (Dreschlera spp. and Bipolaris spp.)What does it look like?

Leaf spot makes your bluegrass blue, as in sad, by covering it with brown to purple lesions that can move to the crown of the plant if conditions persist. On Tall fescue and ryegrasses it appears as red specks.

When is a lawn susceptible?

Leaf spot is most severe in spring and fall during prolonged periods of overcast and cool weather. Leaf spot also can be active in winter periods when the right conditions persist.

How can we get rid of it?

Several grass varieties resist this disease, so if you live in an area prone to leaf spot, it's worth it to consider spending the extra money to buy these species. If leaf spot appears, raise the mowing height, avoid heavy nitrogen fertilization, and ease back on watering until weather conditions change. In truly severe cases, a fungicide also can help.






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