Backyard eyesore - Ask Extension
My backyard grass worries me. I've noticed white fuzzy spots on my grass. The bigger picture shows the sad state of my yard. I have a big dog, who ca...
Knowledgebase
Backyard eyesore #875899
Asked July 04, 2024, 7:09 AM EDT
My backyard grass worries me. I've noticed white fuzzy spots on my grass. The bigger picture shows the sad state of my yard. I have a big dog, who causes the burn spots. But there's also this weird brown area that my dog can't have caused it. My husband tends to the lawn care himself, but these problems are too much for us to diagnose. Please help.
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
From your pictures it looks like your lawn is suffering from Dollar Spot. Dollar Spot is caused by a fungus. It appears initially as the fuzz you describe and as seen in your pictures which eventually ends up in brown spots. A proper nitrogen fertilization program will reduce the occurrence and severity. There are also some fungicides that will help.
Following are a few links to University Extension sites that provide pictures and information about the fungus and treatment options:https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-3075
https://ag.umass.edu/turf/fact-sheets/dollar-spot
https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/diseases/dollar-spot#gallery
Following are a few links to University Extension sites that provide pictures and information about the fungus and treatment options:https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-3075
https://ag.umass.edu/turf/fact-sheets/dollar-spot
https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/diseases/dollar-spot#gallery
Thank you for the insight.
For the nitrogen fertilization program, would we be able to do it ourselves, or should we hire a company? The fact sheet HYG-3075 reference fact sheet HYG-4006: Fertilization of Lawns; however, I was able to find that fact sheet.
Please advise,
Thank you again - and Happy 4th of July!
Annie
Many homeowners do their own lawn fertilization. Following are a few links to University Extension sites with information about types of fertilizers, amount for size of yard, timing of fertilization and other things to consider:
https://extension.illinois.edu/lawns/fertilizing-your-lawn
https://soiltesting.cahnr.uconn.edu/suggested-fertilizer-practices-for-lawns/
If after reading the information on the above sites you decide not to try it yourself, the following link from OSU Extension will give you some info about choosing a lawn care service:
https://faes-webmain.org.ohio-state.edu/ohioline/factsheet/hyg-4025-88
https://extension.illinois.edu/lawns/fertilizing-your-lawn
https://soiltesting.cahnr.uconn.edu/suggested-fertilizer-practices-for-lawns/
If after reading the information on the above sites you decide not to try it yourself, the following link from OSU Extension will give you some info about choosing a lawn care service:
https://faes-webmain.org.ohio-state.edu/ohioline/factsheet/hyg-4025-88
Is it dangerous to let the kids go barefoot on dollar spots?
After doing some research, I could find no studies showing that Dollar Spot is harmful to humans or pets. It can be spread to other parts of the lawn by spores that stick to the bottom of shoes. Following is a link to a site that states: https://www.myselectlawn.com/blog/is-lawn-fungus-harmful-to-pets-and-people/
"not all fungi are considered dangerous. In fact, some types of fungi actually help aerate the soil and promote healthy grass growth. However, there are several species that do pose a risk to humans and animals alike. Examples include Pink Patch disease (which causes pinkish-red patches on the lawn) and Brown Ring Disease (which generally appears as yellow rings). These diseases can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms if ingested by people or pets".
Dollar Spot is a very common fungal disease of lawns and is not listed above as harmful.
"not all fungi are considered dangerous. In fact, some types of fungi actually help aerate the soil and promote healthy grass growth. However, there are several species that do pose a risk to humans and animals alike. Examples include Pink Patch disease (which causes pinkish-red patches on the lawn) and Brown Ring Disease (which generally appears as yellow rings). These diseases can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms if ingested by people or pets".
Dollar Spot is a very common fungal disease of lawns and is not listed above as harmful.
