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Maintaining a healthy lawn takes hard work and the right amount of care. Even with your hard work, diseases can threaten your yard. One of those diseases, Ascochyta Leaf Blight Disease, has been observed throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Soil samples from the University of Delaware recently confirmed the resurgence of the disease, which hadn’t been active in the mid-Atlantic area in over 20 years.
Luckily, there are ways to prevent and treat Ascochyta. Here is how to protect your yard from Ascochyta Leaf Blight Disease.
What is Ascochyta Leaf Blight?
Ascochyta Leaf Blight is a fungal disease that targets common grass types, such as tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. It is caused by nearly 80 different species of the Ascochyta fungus. These thrive in hot, dry weather followed by periods of heavy watering. The hallmark symptom is irregular, straw-colored patches that can develop quickly across your yard, especially during late spring and early summer.
At the individual grass blade level, you may notice lesions or brown tips on leaves, with color fading down toward the base. While the damage looks severe, the fungus doesn’t kill the grass roots, so the lawn can recover with proper care. However, if left unchecked, these unsightly patches can ruin the appearance of your yard.
Preventing Ascochyta Leaf Blight
The best defense against this disease is a strong and healthy lawn. Preventing stress on your grass will make it less susceptible to fungal attacks. Here are some practical tips to keep your lawn in top shape.
1. Follow Proper Watering Practices
Bad watering habits are the top culprits of this disease. Aim to water your lawn deeply but infrequently. Early morning watering is ideal when evaporation rates are low, allowing moisture to penetrate the soil deeply without lingering on the grass blades. Avoid watering late in the day or overwatering, as this creates the humid conditions the fungus loves. Excess flowing water or water movement through an area can also cause the disease to spread.
2. Mow at the Right Height
Mowing too short weakens your grass, making it more vulnerable to stress and infection. Set your mower blade to about 3 inches to keep grass lush and strong. Also, ensure that your mower blade is sharp, as dull blades can tear the grass and increase the surface area for fungus to take hold.
Note: Lawn mower blades can cause Ascochyta to spread if it is already affecting your yard.
3. Properly Fertilize Your Lawn
A healthy lawn starts with good nutrition. Fertilize your lawn according to the grass type and soil needs, providing essential nutrients to promote deep root growth and resilience. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can encourage weak, fast-growing blades that are more prone to infection.
4. Reduce Lawn Stress
Wear and tear on your lawn, compacted soil, and drought conditions can all make your grass more susceptible to disease. Aerate your lawn periodically to loosen compacted soil and allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots.
Treating Lawn Affected by Ascochyta Leaf Blight
If the disease has already shown up, don’t panic. While it may look dramatic, most lawns can recover fully with the right care and assistance from Natural Green Systems.
1. Cultural Practices to Stop the Spread
Adjust your lawn care routine to relieve stress on your grass. Start by brushing up on your watering practices, avoiding irregular watering cycles. If you suspect overwatering or poor drainage, address it with rain gauges or soil tests and improve aeration. Regular mowing at the proper height will also help your grass bounce back over time.
2. Using Fungicides If Needed
For severe cases, fungicides may be an option. Consult with a lawn care professional to select the right product for your grass type and the fungus involved. Homemade solutions aren’t advised, as they can do more harm than good. Remember, fungicides are most effective when paired with good cultural practices.
3. Patience is Key
Even after treatment, it may take time for your lawn to regrow and repair itself. Keep up with proper maintenance routines, and you’ll soon see green shoots bursting with life again.
Lawn Care in Prince Frederick, MD
By focusing on prevention, keeping consistent lawn care routines, and addressing the disease early, you can ensure your yard remains lush, green, and healthy. Prevention is always easier than treatment, but when the blight strikes, Natural Green Systems can help.
If you suspect that you have this condition please contact us immediatly and if possible please provide pictures. You can text pictures directly to 443-432-3882.
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