PREVENTING AND TREATING LAWN DISEASES TO KEEP YOUR LAWN GREEN AND HEALTHY

Lawn diseases: definition and signs

Lawn diseases are pathological conditions that affect herbaceous plants in a lawn or field. These diseases may be caused by various pathogens, such as fungus, bacteria, viruses or roundworms, or may be due to unfavourable environmental conditions.

The signs of lawn diseases may vary depending on the type of pathogen involved. However, some common signs include:

• Spots or patches: Fungal diseases often cause spots or patches to appear on a lawn. Such spots may be different in colour e.g. brown, yellow or white, and may spread over time.
• Discolouration: Diseases may cause the discolouration of leaves or lawn vegetation. For example, some fungal diseases may result in the yellowing or browning of leaves.
• Loss of density: Some diseases may weaken the roots of herbaceous plants, causing a reduction in lawn density. This can lead to thinning of the turf or may be due to unfavourable environmental conditions.

How to keep a lawn green and healthy

To overcome problems and keep your lawn green and healthy, you can follow several care practices. Here are some useful tips:

• Adequate irrigation: Make sure you water the lawn adequately. You should water the lawn regularly, but avoid overwatering it. Deep, less frequent watering is preferable to frequent surface spraying, as it encourages the growth of deeper roots.
• The proper way to cut grass: Keep grass cut at an appropriate height for the type of lawn you have. Generally, it is advisable to keep the cutting height between 5 and 7 centimetres. Avoid cutting it too short, as this can weaken the plants and encourage the growth of weeds.
• Fertilisation: Use specific fertilisers for lawns so that the plants receive the nutrients they need. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the quantity and frequency of application. Avoid over-fertilising, as this may damage the plant roots.
• Weed control: Keep weeds under control that might compete with grass for water and nutrients. You can use mechanical methods, such as weeding by hand, or specific weed killers, but make sure you follow the instructions for use and avoid damaging the surrounding grass.

Aerating the lawn: Aerating a lawn is a process that removes thatch and encourages the circulation of air, water and nutrients in the soil. You can use a mechanical aerator or a lawn fork.