There's plenty to consider when you're venturing into the wide world of lawn care in Winona, MN. When and how much to water, how and why to fertilize, and what signs to look for when you're trying to judge if your lawn is healthy are some topics that only scratch the surface of proper, long-term lawn care. The professionals with Maier Tree and Lawn want you to feel comfortable judging for yourself when your lawn needs a little help, but knowing the signs of common issues like lawn fungus is the first important step in the long journey towards being an annual lawn care master.
The term “lawn fungus” covers more ground than just referencing the occasional mushroom. Fungal lawn diseases can take the form of brown spots, slimy patches, powdery substances, and more. Identifying the specific type of lawn fungus you're dealing with can require the consultation of a professional lawn care specialist, or at the very least, a good amount of grass-specific research. The causes can also vary widely; over-watering, under-watering, poor mowing techniques, and unlucky weather conditions cover a small portion of the potential triggers. Plus, it's good for Minnesota lawn care enthusiasts to know that snow is also a potential trigger.
During the winter your grass may be dormant, but the snow that rests on top of it can still impact its awakening in the spring. Depending upon how much snow falls and how compacted it becomes, it may foster the perfect environment for lawn fungus to grow. This is especially true if leaves were not raked before snowfall began, as the extra layer of leaves can provide nutrition and breeding grounds for several types of lawn fungus. Though you can take some steps to prevent this, even raking and avoiding compressing the snow may not be foolproof.
Thanks to the wide variety of existing lawn fungi, the types of treatments are just as varied. If you see signs of lawn fungus on your Winona, MN, lawn come spring, contact the lawn care professionals with Maier Tree and Lawn. Any signs of browning, discoloration, or other oddities should be checked before they’re allowed to spread to other parts of the lawn, even if it turns out to be a fungal red-herring. We can be reached at (507) 454-7000 or by visiting our website here for more information.