Grounds Services, Inc. | Turf, Tree & Shrub Management System: Turf Disease: Anthracnose

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Turf Disease

lawn anthracnose Anthracnose
Anthracnose on turf can cause yellowing and thinning of the lawn, usually starting with the older growth then spreading to the newer growth. The lesions are round or oval, reddish-brown, and usually outlined by a margin of yellow.

The diameter of affected turf usually measures from 2-12 inches, but can be as large as 20 feet. In server cases, affected turf can have dieback from this disease. The black spiked spores on the leaf of the grass is key to identifying anthracnose. These black bodied forms on the leaf can be seen with a hand lens. Turf that is under stress is more susceptible to Anthracnose as this disease affects all cool seasoned turf-types (though annual and Kentucky Bluegrass are the most susceptible).

Disease Development Favored by:

High humidity
Temperatures 78 degrees and hotter
10+ hours of wet grass for several days
Compact soil
Heavy thatch
Drought stress
Low fertility
Outside stresses such as insect damage

Corrective Measures:

Aerate lawn to reduce soil compaction & thatch
Apply fertilizer with nitrogen to improve fertility
Do not water at night
Change mower height to reduce stress
Reduce shade if possible

Dead patch caused by Anthracnose

Fungicides are not usually warranted, though if you need a technician to come out and review the condition of your lawn, feel free to contact us at 419-536-4344.

Grounds Services is Ohio certified in:
Commercial Core
Aquatic
Industrial Vegetation
Ornamental Pest Control
Ornamental Weed Control
Vertebrate Animal Control
Turf Pest Control
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