If your lawn suddenly has brown patches, thinning grass, yellowing areas, or strange circular spots, there’s a good chance fungus is beginning to move in. If fungus hasn’t arrived yet, with all the rain we’ve had lately, there’s a greater chance of it being right around the corner. Warm temperatures, excess moisture, and humid nights that keep grass blades wet, create ideal conditions for common turf diseases like brown patch/large patch, gray leaf spot, and other summer stress-related fungal issues.
The good news is you can fight back or prevent it before it occurs. Here are three must-have lawn fungus fighters to help your grass recover, stay stronger, and better resist problems during wet weather.
1. Infuse Lawn Fungicide: Your First Line of Defense
When it comes to lawn fungus, Infuse Lawn Fungicide covers a lot of issues. It’s label lists over 30 fungal diseases that it can treat. Infuse helps target common fungal issues that thrive in the rainy, humid conditions we’ve been blessed/plagued with.
It works well for:
- Brown patch/Large patch
- Dollar spot
- Summer patch
- Grey Leaf Spot
- Other moisture-related lawn diseases
- It can also be used on trees, shrubs, and other garden ornamentals. NOT ON EDIBLES.
One of the biggest benefits of Infuse is that it can be used both preventatively and curatively. If your lawn tends to struggle after rainy stretches each year, applying it before fungus becomes severe can help stop issues before they spread. It comes in both granular and liquid form (concentrate and hose-end-ready-to-spray). Read the label for complete instructions tailored to your specific need, but in general, a follow up application should be made after two weeks.
2. Ferti-lome Systemic Fungicide II
This is a liquid formula that also has an option with a hose-end sprayer, making it super easy to use. Its systemic action means plants absorb the product internally, allowing it to continue working even during rainy weather. This can be a very effective treatment for lawn fungus as long as you make sure you do the recommended TWO applications, usually 2-3 weeks apart. Follow the label to a tee for best results.
One of the things we like about Ferti-lome Systemic Fungicide II is that it can also be used on ornamental plants. It is very effective at spot treating problem areas around landscape edges, decorative beds, or mixed planting zones where fungal issues may overlap. Just don’t use it on anything edible.
Another thing that we like is that this fungus treatment also has a side effect of acting like a growth regulator. After your two applications, recovery growth starts to beocme evident. One of the main reasons gardeners complain about a product not working is the lack of follow up applications.Â
3. Cotton Burr Compost: The Secret to Long-Term Lawn Health
Though we’ve been saying this for years, some people still don’t realize this fact: healthy soil equals healthier grass. Healthier grass naturally handles stress and disease better.
Cotton Burr Compost isn’t a fungicide, but it may be one of the smartest ways to help reduce the conditions that allow fungus to thrive in the first place.
Cotton Burr Compost helps lawns by:
- Improving drainage in heavy clay soils
- Reducing overly soggy conditions fungi love
- Encouraging stronger root growth
- Increasing soil health and microbial activity
- Helping turf recover from stress more efficiently
In San Antonio, compacted clay soils can trap moisture after heavy rain, creating the perfect environment for fungal diseases. Topdressing with Cotton Burr Compost or incorporating it into struggling areas can improve soil structure over time and help your lawn stay healthier season after season. Think of Cotton Burr Compost as a prevention tool, while fungicides handle the treatment side.
A Few Quick Lawn Fungus Prevention Tips
Besides using the right products, a few small habits can make a big difference:
- Water early in the morning, not at night
- Avoid overwatering during rainy periods
- Don’t mow wet grass if possible
- Keep mower blades sharp to reduce stress on turf
- Improve airflow and avoid excess thatch buildup
Now is the time to stay ahead of lawn fungus before heat and humidity make problems worse. A little prevention today can mean a much greener, healthier lawn tomorrow.
~The Happy Gardener, Lisa Mulroy
