Dollar Spot

Dollar Spot is a destructive disease that attacks most southern turfgrasses. It is especially evident on bentgrass, making the disease a common problem for golf courses.

Facts About Dollar Spot

Grasses Susceptible to Dollar Spot

• Bermuda Grass
• Annual Bluegrass
• Fescue
• Ryegrass
• Zoysiagrass

Symptoms

Dollar Spot can often be detected by small, circular spots about 1-5” in diameter. These spots will sometimes merge, thereby creating larger irregular areas. Grass blades will appear watersoaked or brown with a horizontal reddish band.

Favorable Conditions

Dollar Spot thrives when the temperature is between 60 and 80 degrees, and when the weather is humid and there are low moisture levels in the soil. Lawns that are stressed are at the most risk, such as when there are heavy thatch levels.

Prevention and Treatment

Dollar Spot is best prevented by proper maintenance practices. To understand proper maintenance, refer to the page specific to your grass type in the grass types section of the learning center. If dollar spot has been present in previous seasons, a preventative fungicide may be applied in the spring or fall before symptoms occur. Reactive fungicides may be applied after symptoms occur, but the lawn may be in need of repair depending on the severity of the disease.