Fungi are naturally occurring microorganisms that decompose organic matter and release nutrients that are beneficial and healthy for grass and plants. However, too much of a good thing is never good. Fungi overgrowth could attack your lawn and destroy your grass. But with the proper steps, you could prevent fungi from overtaking your lawn and ruining your beautiful landscape. So today on the blog, we share four pro tips to prevent fungi in your Johnson City lawn.
Why does fungi exist?
Fungi, even in your yard, can be beneficial to other plants and grass. It breaks down organic matter, releasing nutrients to the soil. Fungi naturally occurs in the environment, although you may not see it until it becomes diseased. Microorganisms remain dormant until the perfect conditions cause them to overgrow and cause damage. This may occur when the weather or temperatures change, there’s too much moisture, or when your lawn is stressed. Spring weather creates the perfect conditions for fungi to overdevelop and destroy lawns, especially in heavily shaded areas that receive little to no sunlight.
Can lawn fungi spread?
If you discover fungi in your yard, it’s best to address the issue right away to prevent it from spreading. Wind, rain, and even mowing can spread fungi across your yard or even onto someone else’s nearby property. And you wouldn’t want to upset your neighbors! Fungi is most likely to spread during the spring when conditions are damp. You might have fungi in your lawn if you see mushroom, or other fungi that varies in size, shape, and color, either yellow, tan, or brown.
How to prevent lawn fungi
While fungi can be treated with fungicides, allowing your lawn to recover, it’s best to prevent it in the first place. Below are four tips on preventing lawn fungi.
Water your lawn the right way
We shared earlier in this blog that too much water or damp conditions may be the cause of fungi. However, aside from rainy weather, your lawn still needs watering, but watering too often could be harmful. Therefore, it’s essential to water your lawn the right way. Lawns typically need about half an inch to one inch of water, which includes rainfall. You can measure the amount of water your lawn gets by putting a measuring cup or cans at the highest point in your yard to collect water. But the best way to know if your lawn gets enough water is to have a professionally installed sprinkler system that is calibrated to your lawn’s specific watering needs. Lawn sprinkler systems also come equipped with flow timers. So, if you know your lawn’s square footage, you can calculate exactly how many gallons of water it needs to remain healthy. Remember to account for rainfall, too! Ideally, water your lawn in the morning so that the soil can soak up the water before the sun is at its peak.
Sew the right grass for your zone
There are many different types of grass, although not all grass grows in every zone. Here in Kingsport, Kentucky bluegrass, Ryegrass, and Fescue grow the best, although bermudagrass or Zoysia are other popular choices. It’s essential, however, to sew grass that is appropriate for our zone so that it will withstand our seasonal changes.
Mow your grass properly
Many homeowners assume that mowing their grass is simple. Just crank up the mower and have at it. Unfortunately, mowing at the wrong blade height or with a dull blade can ruin your grass. Be sure that you mow your grass at the proper height, which you can determine using online resources or ask a grass mowing company like Promier Landscapes. If you mow your grass too short, it could scald it and cause it to die. Don’t mow it enough and the soil may remain too damp. Therefore, be sure to mow at the correct height.
Fertilize your lawn
Lawn care maintenance in Johnson City goes beyond watering and mowing a lawn. It includes fertilizing to ensure your soil receives the right amount of nutrients to foster healthy grass. This time of year, lawns also respond well to fungicides, which should be applied every one to two weeks. The best way to ensure your lawn receives the care that it needs is to rely on a lawn maintenance company in Kingsport. Our pros at Promier Landscapes can assess your lawn’s needs and apply the right treatments at the right time.
Best lawn maintenance company in Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol, Tennessee
If you would like to learn more about our lawn maintenance services or schedule a visit from one of our professional landscapers, please contact Promier Landscapes by calling (423) 872-2988 today.