Spring Dead Spot

The first symptoms of Spring Dead Spot can appear in lower soil temperatures when growth is slow to dormant,  depending on the season as early as late Autumn as we have seen recently. Traditionally it was found often in late winter and spring, when turf resumes its growth and will present circular, bleached dead patches. Patches are often also visible in autumn and in winter. The patches can range from a few centimetres to over one metre and can reappear in the same spot for many seasons.

Intensively managed couch grasses are most affected. The pathogen grows more actively in cool, moist conditions. The most damaging temperatures are around 15°C, when the grass is still semi-dormant yet the pathogen is very active.

When the couch breaks dormancy in the spring, the damage is noticed where competition from the disease restricts growth.

The experts at Lawn Addicts can help with lawn care programs for Spring Dead Spot, based on grass identification.