HELP!  Yellow area of lawn growing since early July, still spreading.

Question: see attached photos.  7-24-24 photo was how small it started.  8-5-24 shows how much area has spread.  Began 3 consecutive treatments (2 weeks apart) of Scotts DiseaseEx™ Lawn Fungicide @ curative rate.  NO SLOWDOWN!  As seen in 3 photos taken today, 9-17-24.  The entire yellow area would not fit into the field of view in today's photo, 9-17-24.  It's now consumed the entire side lawn with small yellow dots spreading and each grows to join the large yellow blob that is constantly increasing in area.  I'm the homeowner type that is extremely fussy about the look of our lawn.  This has taken me to the limits of my patience.  We have irrigation, irregular watering schedule.  We've had so much rain earlier this year.  This area gets a fair amount of sun.  I do not bag my grass clippings.  I WILL GLADLY PAY SOMEONE GOOD U.S. $$$ TO COME TO MY HOME.  LUNCH INCLUDED!!!!  NEAR 494 AND HWY. 62 IN MINNETONKA/HOPKINS AREA.  PLEASE HELP!!!!

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied September 18, 2024, 9:25 AM EDT
response: Good Morning John,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service. You indicated you applied a fungicide treatment. How did you determine it is a fungus?  You might inspect the soil below the spots to see if this issue is grubs: https://extension.umn.edu/news/white-grub-control-lawns Here is a link to the lawn care calendar: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/lawn-care-calendar You could also send a sample to the Plant Disease Clinic to verify the probem: https://pdc.umn.edu/ I would pull up the sod in an area where the grass has died and see what is happening to the roots and the soil. Might inspect for grub damage.  I would also closely examine the dying grass blades to see what other issues might be apparent.  Is the soil compacted or is there any other issues that may have caused the probem?  I will also mention the newer alternatives to lawn turf grass. Turf grass is a sterile environment for nature. Various chemicals applied to the turf grass makes it additionally toxic to our pollinators. Our insects and pollinators are becoming extinct at an amazing rate.  Please click on the following links:  https://extension.umn.edu/lawns-and-landscapes/planting-and-maintaining-fine-fescue-lawn https://extension.umn.edu/landscape-design/planting-and-maintaining-bee-lawn Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 18, 2024, 3:34 PM EDT
response: thanks, Maureen after quite a bit of online research, my issue seems exactly like descriptions/photos of either dollar spot or leaf blight.  More like dollar spot.  I’m certainly not an expert but the similarities seem obvious to me. I’ve had grubs and at that time I was able to lift up the grass and it would easily separate from the soil.  My new problem is not this.  Pulling on the yellow grass does not easily separate it from the soil underneath.  I checked a number of locations. I also cannot detect any ‘powdery’ material or ‘web-like’ material on the blades of grass. My wife keeps lots and lots of plants for our dear pollinators.  This lawn is very well taken care of.  Seasonal fertilizer/weed control applications. My only option at this time seems to be sending in a sample to your plant disease clinic. I’ll hope they are able to help.  I really really don’t like this. thanks, John  From: ask=<personal data hidden> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Wednesday, September 18, 2024 8:26 AMTo: john kallas Subject: Re: HELP! Yellow area of lawn growing since early July, still spreading. (#0155507)

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 18, 2024, 3:39 PM EDT
response: did you know this for your plant disease clinic? Turf Disease Diagnosis (currently unavailable)  Wonderful From: ask=<personal data hidden> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Wednesday, September 18, 2024 8:26 AMTo: john kallas Subject: Re: HELP! Yellow area of lawn growing since early July, still spreading. (#0155507)

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied September 19, 2024, 7:41 AM EDT
response: Good Morning John,  No, I had no idea. But the Plant Disease Clinic refers you to the Turf Grass Diagnostic Lab in Wisconsin. The fee to submit a sample is $ 20.  I read through the requirements to submit a sample. You could send a sample next Monday and possibly have an answer by the end of the week.  Since you have researched the issue, inspected the grass and sod, this might be a good idea.  If you do this and receive a response, I'd be interested in hearing the results.  Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 19, 2024, 10:47 AM EDT
response: thanks, I’ve already planned on going the Wisconsin way. We’ll see what they have to say.  I’ll let you know. John From: ask=<personal data hidden> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Thursday, September 19, 2024 6:42 AMTo: john kallas Subject: Re: HELP! Yellow area of lawn growing since early July, still spreading. (#0155507)

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied September 19, 2024, 12:13 PM EDT
response: Thank you!