How to Prevent Lawn & Grass Diseases

How you feed, mow and water your lawn can help it resist fungal diseases like dollar spot and brown spot.

Stop Them Before They Start

When it comes to dealing with lawn diseases, the old saying holds true: "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." It's easier to prevent lawn diseases than to cure them. Following these basic guidelines for a strong lawn will help you protect your lawn from fungal diseases.

Feed Your Lawn Regularly

Nutrient deficiencies can weaken grass plants, so feed at least 4 times per year with Scotts® Turf Builder® Lawn Foods. A nourished lawn is better able to fend off diseases. To make the whole feeding process simple, sign up for our personalized Scotts® Lawn Care Program—you'll get exactly what your lawn needs, right when it's time to apply it, delivered to your doorstep. You can also download the My Lawn app for your smartphone to customize and track your personal lawn care program.

If You Need To Water, Water Properly

Many diseases infect lawns when the grass blades are wet. To keep grass blades dry, water only if needed and water deeply so you can go longer between watering. Watering in the morning, between 6AM and 10AM, is best since the grass blades have plenty of time to dry during the day. Especially avoid watering late in the day or at night, since the grass blades will stay wet all night long, encouraging leaf diseases.

Mow Regularly at the Right Height

Mowing too short weakens the grass plant, making it more susceptible to infection. Most grass types should be mowed using a high (3-4 inch) mowing setting. Bermudagrass grass in the south should be mowed using a lower (1.5 to 2 inches) mower setting and zoysiagrass should be mowed using a middle (2-3 inches) setting. Mow often enough so that no more than ⅓ the height of the grass blade is removed at one time.

Apply Fungicide if Needed

To control lawn diseases such as brown patch and dollar spot - or help prevent them if you have had disease problems in previous years - apply a fungicide made for lawns. Scotts® DiseaseEx™ Lawn Fungicide provides broad spectrum disease prevention and control. You can apply any time on all lawn types. Just be sure to follow the directions on the label.

The best way to prevent fungus in lawns is by growing strong, healthy grass before disease can strike. Scotts® Turf Builder® Healthy Plus Lawn Food is a disease control product for lawns that also feeds to grow thicker, greener blades of grass. You can apply this 2-in-1 fungicide and lawn fertilizer to most grass types when conditions are favorable for disease or at the first sign of disease.