Thatch accumulation of more than inch can restrict root growth and predispose turf to drought damage and diseases. Many turfgrass pathogens can survive as saprophytes in the thatch layer. Summer patch, leaf spot, and melting-out diseases are a few of the diseases favored by excessive thatch accumulations. Regular core aeration in the spring or fall will reduce thatch accumulation and open compacted soils. Disease Identification and Management Turfgrass diseases are diagnosed by identifying symptoms and signs of infection.
Symptoms are the expression of what is happening to the plant as a result of an infection.
These include leaf spots, rots, yellowing, stunting, and wilting. A description of the major lawn diseases follows and identification depends on the presence of symptoms and signs. It is recommended that you manage home lawn diseases without using fungicides. While there are situations when fungicides are needed, for most cases, fungicides should be applied by lawn care professionals, not by the homeowner. If a disease is present at a level that the homeowner notices, it is usually too late for a fungicide to be effective.