Sometimes bad things happen even to the healthiest lawns. Lawn Diseases are one of those things. Many diseases occur on the turfgrasses that are used on lawns throughout Cape Cod. 
Diseases are common with virtually any grass types. Although they are naturally occurring, how damaging they are can depend greatly on how we manage our lawns. We know that lawns must be carefully maintained. However, if done improperly, we can actually predispose our grass to diseases.
Proper cultural practices that hinder disease development is your first line of defense against lawn diseases. Microscopic living organisms are the cause of lawn diseases. They include bacteria, fungi, nematodes, phytoplasmas, and a few other organisms. These fungi can remain dormant in the soil until environmental conditions favor an outbreak. They can also be transported to our lawns by wind, foot traffic and from lawn equipment. Since fungi lack roots, stems, or chlorophyll, they get their nutrients from their host. Pathogenic fungi penetrate the host plant when conditions favor the disease.
An important fact to be aware of is that infected plant will display specific symptoms and damage that are characteristic of that particular pathogen. Knowing the temperature range they are active in and comparing the symptoms with pictures will help you identify the disease.
Turf disease happens when each one of the items in the Turf Disease Triangle (pictured here) are present.
Many lawn diseases are not easy to identify and to distinguish from other problems such as pests or poor maintenance. Careful identification of the cause of a problem is important for the selection of proper control methods.Our Turf Management team at Fowler and Sons has the experience and expertise to diagnose and treat your lawn disease.
Give us a call today if you think any of these
diseases might be affecting your lawn.
508-778-TURF
