As those summer temperatures arrive with the warm nights and the higher humidities, patches, spots, eyes and slimes will show up faster than the tax rebate will.  Lawn disease time is just around the corner.  With all the moisture we've just had, you can expect them to be worse this year than ever.

Lawn spots are a lot easier to prevent than control, so start early.  By applying a Systemic Fungicide we can innaculate the lawn before the pathogens get inside and reek havoc.  We've just been through dandelion season and we feel like we can fix anything.  We saw the yellow bloom, we sprayed, we killed... easy.  Lawn spots are a little different.  They hit us when the grass is suffering from the heat and drought and recovery is a lot slower, so start now.  The Systemic Fungicide will allow the healthy lawn to out grow many of the diseases that show up. 

Bluegrass diseases will show up in the form of a slime or dust that wipes off, or even a patch that seems to die over night.  Mow the Blues shorter in the spring and be vigil of the areas under trees or on the north that seem to hold the heavy dew longer in the morning. Mow the lawn a little shorter while it is cool and rain is plentiful. 

Raise the mowing height as June matures and don't let the lawn dry out too much before starting the summer watering schedule.  If something shows up apply the Contact Fungicide and follow it up with a Systemic Fungicide application one week later.  If large areas die in the summer, add a little Stadium Special Sports Rye to your blend this fall and do what you can to help the soil.

Fescue diseases are a little more predictable.  They show up as soon as the temperature and humidity add up to 150, usually early in June.   Applying the Systemic Fungicide every 21 days through mid August should keep us ahead of the game.  If some spots show up or if it looks like every other blade of grass is brown, apply the Contact Fungicide and then the Systemic Fungicide one week later.  Be sure and over seed every fall. Add a Hybrid Bluegrass to the mix and only use the newest varieties like the Overtime to ensure the most up to date protection that science can provide.