There is fungus among us! Ok, all joking aside, your North Texas lawn and landscape can naturally be full of fungi and spores and while some of them may be totally harmless, there are other types which can be severely problematic—particularly if just the right conditions cause that fungus to erupt into a harmful disease.
One of the most frustrating aspects of fungus is the way in which it can really creep up on a property. It’s one of those fast-moving problems that can cause your lawn or landscape to look fine one day and ravaged the next.
We know that fungus can cause serious problems if not appropriately dealt with so we’re giving you all the information you need to make wise decisions about potential fungal growth on your North Texas trees, shrubs, and grass.
Although you might be inclined to jump right into applying fungicide spray, the fact is, you must first properly diagnose exactly what’s going on.
If you want to find out more about the specific types of lawn fungi we see in North Texas (Dollar Spot, Brown Patch, and Summer Patch), then you can read this article for more detail. If you want to find out more about types of fungus that can impact trees and shrubs, then you should read this article. But before we get into any more detail about treatments, we want to be very clear that a proper diagnosis should always be your starting point. You need to know exactly what’s going on before you take any further steps.
One reason that we want to emphasize this is that we have witnessed homeowners adding water or fertilizer to a yellowing lawn or landscape, assuming that they’re struggling with drought or with a lack of nutrients. But if it turns out that the yellowing lawn or landscape is a result of a fungal infection, then adding water or fertilizer is a lot like adding fuel to a fire. You can get yourself into a raging fungal war as these additions will only spread your problem.
It’s easy to get caught up in a treatment that you plan to employ to fix your fungal problems. But you need to keep in mind that your actions can also have a big impact on the likelihood of a fungal outbreak (or in making one worse).
There’s no question that the hot and humid weather is a contributor to fungal growth here in Texas. These conditions can create an incubator for fungus to thrive in. But as a homeowner, you can be cautious not to contribute even further to these problems by avoiding watering your lawn or landscape at night when that water is just going to sit. You want to water in the early morning when you can allow ample time for evaporation.
Mowing at the Proper height and proper frequency are also really important. The more stress that you put on your lawn, the more likely it’s going to suffer from fungus rather than just ward it off. You also want to be sure that you mow with a sharp blade which is going to make a clean cut.
Although there are plenty of products sold at big box stores for fungus in your lawn, or your landscape for that matter, this is really something best left in the hands of a professional. The main reason is how difficult the diagnosis process is. Fungus can be very difficult to diagnose. Since there are different types of fungicide for different types of fungus, you could risk wasting your money or making your problem worse.
One example of a complicated fungal infection that we commonly see in St. Augustine grass North Texas is take-all root rot, caused by a fungus living in the soil. While this fungus can produce spores, it spreads mostly through the roots and stolons.
Diagnosing take-all root rot can be complicated because it is often mistaken for large patch or chinch bug damage, both of which require very different treatments.
Although we certainly have the weather conditions that can make fungus a problem, the truth is, it’s not a problem for everyone. We have plenty of clients who have never had a problem with fungus in their lawn. Sometimes, a problem with lawn fungus is just a temporary cosmetic setback and the grass may even recover on its own when the weather cools down and the grass can begin to rejuvenate.
For that reason, we do not spray the lawn for fungus as part of our regular program. It’s an add-on service for those that need it. The last thing that we’d want to do is charge everyone for a service they may never require. If a problem with fungus arises, we’ll diagnose it, and implement the proper solution swiftly.
However, when it comes to fungicide spray for trees and shrubs, that’s a different story.
Funguses in trees and shrubs can be decimating. While a fungus might arise in your lawn and cause a few bare patches that need to be filled in and restored, a fungus in a tree or shrub could kill the entire plant. When you think about replacing a 10-year old shrub or an ornamental tree that’s held a valuable place in your landscape for all those years, you can see how protection is truly vital (even if you haven’t had a problem with fungus in the past).
That’s why we include fungicide treatments in our Tree and Shrub Care program. They are used in two out of our four annual treatments.
There’s no doubt that lawn and landscape fungi are a serious problem. Our weather conditions can encourage the growth and the spread of an outbreak. However, you don’t have to let Texas yard fungus win. With early detection and quick action, we can effectively spray the lawn for fungus. We can also treat your landscape as part of our Tree and Shrub Care program so that you can protect your investment in these valuable plants.
When it comes to having the best-looking property on the block, you want to know that all of your bases are covered and that’s exactly what working with a professional can provide. We’ll not only be looking out for problems in your lawn but in your trees and shrubs, too. That means that you can stop worrying about fungus and get back to simply enjoying your property for all of its beauty and appeal.
Ready to gain confidence that your total property is being protected at your North Texas home? Get a free quote and get ready to have the best property on the block!
Image Sources: dollar spot, brown patch