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Please identify dead lawn cause and recommend remediation. #765194

Asked August 02, 2021, 11:22 AM EDT

What is killing areas of our lawn? How can we fight it?

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Emmet County Michigan

Expert Response

Thank you for your photos, from them I suspect you may have Pink patch (Limonomyces rosiepellis) because I note pink, gelatinous tufts (mycelia) when I look as closeup as possible.  50F-75F temps and wet weather favor activity.  This is considered more of a spring disease problem but being in Emmet County I suppose you have a bit later spring.  Another possibility would be Microdochium patch (Microdochium navale) but it's even more of a spring disease.

Fungicides are available, but applications are seldom necessary for management of pink patch, especially in residential settings.

I'm attaching links to info on Pink patch disease so you can learn more about it and cultural and chemical solutions.  One recommendation is to do a soil test if you haven't done one in several years. It will tell you your soil type, pH, fertility and more - helping you to properly fertilize your lawn and have a stronger, denser turf to better resist disease and insect infestation. It only costs $25 and they will provide you with a fertilizer recommendation in addition to the analysis of your soil sample. Knowing the condition of your soil is the starting point to establishing & maintaining a good lawn. More info here: Don't Guess-Soil Test-MSU and MSU Home Soil Test-self mailer

Links (including recommendations):

https://ag.umass.edu/turf/fact-sheets/red-thread-pink-patch

http://ipm.illinois.edu/diseases/series400/rpd413/

https://turf.purdue.edu/red-thread-pink-patch-and-dollar-spot-in-lawns-and-roughs/

https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-124-W.pdf

Dick M. Replied August 03, 2021, 2:53 PM EDT

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