Dollar Spot

Dollar Spot, caused by the fungus Clarireedia jacksonii (formerly Sclerotinia homoeocarpa),

Dollar spot is a common and persistent disease in Australian lawns, particularly during mild, moist periods in spring and autumn. It affects both cool-season and warm-season grasses, including couch, kikuyu, ryegrass, and bent grass.

Signs and Symptoms of Dollar Spot

• Starts off as small circular spots 2-6cm wide.
• Hour glass shaped legions on the leaf.
• In longer mown turf, patches can merge together into larger patches.
• Can present Mycelium, in cool but high humidity conditions.

Favourable conditions for Dollar Spot:

• Mild day time temps and cool nights.
• Hugh humidity.
• Prolonged leaf wetness.
• Low Nitrogen levels or turf under fertilised.
• Poor airflow or excessive thatch.
• More severe in dry soil.

Prevention & Management:

• Maintain Balanced Nutrition, particularly nitrogen.
• Avoid drought stress, with adequate irrigation for your turf type.
• Water early in the morning to reduce leaf wetness.
• Improve air circulation and educe thatch.
• Mow regularly and avoid mowing when the grass is wet.

Dollar spot disease typically occurs on managed turf such as golf greens, fairways or other playing surfaces. Turf identification is an important part of the treatment process.

At Lawn Addicts, we have a variety of professional lawn care products available online.