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Lawns in Tuscaloosa face several challenges through the year, and one of the most frustrating is dollar spot fungus. This type of lawn disease tends to show up out of nowhere, often catching homeowners off guard during late summer when the grass should still be looking full and green. What makes it worse is how small it starts. A few patches might not raise alarm until they quietly spread, leaving tired-looking brown spots behind.
Dollar spot fungus doesn’t just ruin how your lawn looks. It weakens the grass and makes it harder for it to bounce back even with good lawn care. Warm days and cool nights, which are common around Tuscaloosa in late August, create the kind of humidity this fungal disease likes. When you’re putting time and effort into lawn maintenance in Tuscaloosa, it’s pretty frustrating to see things go downhill because of one persistent problem. Knowing what it looks like and how to stop it early gives your yard a solid chance to stay healthy.
Dollar spot fungus might sound like a small problem, but if you’ve seen it before, you know how quickly it can turn a patchy lawn into a bigger headache. It gets its name from the way it starts—small, straw-colored circular spots about the size of a silver dollar. These spots usually spread across the lawn, either on their own or in clusters, making your grass look unhealthy even if you’ve been keeping up with regular care.
Here’s what to look for:
- Light brown dead patches in the shape of circles about 1 to 2 inches wide
- Affected grass blades usually show tan or white color with reddish-brown edges
- Spots growing together to form large, irregular patches of dead grass
- Worsening symptoms during humid mornings or after overnight dew
Dollar spot usually appears when the grass is low on nutrients, especially nitrogen. But other things like frequent watering in the evening, short mowing, or thatch buildup can make it worse. Once the fungus settles in, it spreads fast, especially when the lawn is stressed from heat or inconsistent watering. In cities like Tuscaloosa, where summer humidity lingers past August, those conditions can sneak up on a lawn.
One of the easiest mistakes to make is blaming dollar spot on dry weather or poor soil. But when you notice brown patches that come and go throughout the season, especially during warm, damp mornings, fungus is often the cause. If you’re unsure, try pulling up a small patch and looking at the blades. You might see those distinct hourglass-shaped lesions that help rule out other problems like drought or insect damage.
The best way to fight dollar spot is by keeping the lawn in a state where the fungus can’t thrive. While you can't always stop it completely, thoughtful care keeps it from showing up as often or spreading when it does. Focus on consistent lawn maintenance that supports strong, thick grass.
Here are a few changes that can make a real difference:
- Avoid cutting the grass too short. Taller grass has a better chance to outgrow and shade out fungus.
- Make sure mower blades are sharp to avoid tearing the grass, which creates openings for disease.
- Morning watering gives the lawn time to dry out during the day.
- Avoid evening watering, which leaves the lawn damp overnight, a perfect setting for fungal growth.
- Low nitrogen levels weaken the grass and make it more sensitive to fungus.
- Follow a consistent fertilization schedule with the right nutrient balance.
- A thick layer of thatch can trap moisture and heat, both of which help the fungus grow.
- Consider professional dethatching if the layer is more than half an inch thick.
- Trim overgrown landscaping that blocks airflow.
- Aerate the soil once or twice a year to keep roots strong and allow better water movement.
Sticking to these habits helps build a lawn that can handle stress and bounce back quicker. Prevention works best when done steadily. Waiting until the fungus shows up gives it a head start. When the grass stays thick, well-fed, and trimmed at the right height, there’s less room for dollar spot to settle in.
When dollar spot sets in, acting quickly can stop it from doing more damage. If brown patches have become more than just a few circles on the lawn, it’s time to take a stronger approach. While keeping up with mowing and watering helps, you’ll likely need a treatment that’s made for fungal lawn pr
One of the most common ways to treat dollar spot is with a fungicide. These products are designed to stop the fungus from spreading and help the lawn recover. But application can get tricky without the right knowledge.
Here are a few things to think about if you're treating dollar spot:
- Read the label fully before applying anything. Different products need different dilution methods and timing
- Apply fungicide during dry weather so it sticks better and doesn’t wash off
- Make sure you're covering the entire affected area, not just the patches you see
- Water the lawn lightly after treatment if the label calls for it. Some fungicides need it to move into the soil
- Rotate fungicides occasionally. Using the same one over and over can make the fungus resistant
Chemical treatments are only one part of the fix. If the lawn isn’t getting enough nutrients or is constantly damp, spraying fungicide won’t solve the issue long-term. That’s one reason many homeowners in Tuscaloosa end up bringing in lawn care professionals. They have the right tools and know exactly what timing works best for the local climate.
You don’t want to keep throwing products at the problem if the source isn’t being handled. Treating dollar spot works better when paired with smarter care habits. Once treated, the lawn should start to grow back stronger and with fewer brown patches.
Once the fungus is gone, the job isn’t over. Keeping the lawn healthy from here on out will help prevent future outbreaks and give the grass a strong chance to thrive through the warm Tuscaloosa months.
After treatment, shift the focus to recovery and routine care:
- Continue mowing at the right height to avoid stressing the grass
- Stick to a regular feeding schedule, especially using a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to help boost growth
- Watch for signs of stress or thinning areas, and address them quickly with overseeding or aeration
- Improve drainage in spots that stay wet longer than others
- Water deeply but not too often so roots grow deeper into the soil
Paying attention to the lawn post-treatment may feel like extra work, but it pays off. If the conditions that led to dollar spot stay the same, it could return again. Building healthy roots and good turf density now keeps problems at bay heading into the fall.
If you’ve had repeated issues, it may be worth getting a soil test. Sometimes the problem runs deeper than just surface growth. Low pH levels or compacted soil can add to the stress, making it harder for grass to stay healthy and fungus-free.
Dealing with dollar spot fungus can be frustrating, especially when it shows up during late summer when you expect your lawn to look its best. No one wants to see all their hard work undone by small patches that spread before you even notice. But the good news is that you don’t have to let it take over completely.
Keeping your lawn fungus-free in Tuscaloosa starts by learning what to watch for, sticking to healthy lawn care habits, and stepping in quickly when problems come up. The mix of heat and humidity in this area makes lawns more prone to things like dollar spot, so staying consistent with your routine is key.
Whether it’s choosing the right time to water or making sure your mower blades are sharp, every step plays a part in keeping your lawn strong. And when issues become more than a few patches, knowing when to call in professional help can save you time, stress, and money in the long run.
Your lawn is part of what makes your home feel cared for. A nice-looking yard adds value and comfort. Keeping dollar spot out isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about paying attention, acting early, and sticking with a plan that works for your lawn. The effort you put in today will show up in greener, healthier grass tomorrow.
If you're looking for a dependable way to keep your yard in top shape all year, explore how lawn maintenance in Tuscaloosa can support a greener, healthier lawn. Count on McCraken Lawns for personalized care and dependable service every step of the way.