I previously wrote about Red Thread disease that occurs in late spring turf when conditions are hot and humid. Following are more lawn tips relating to fungal problems in lawns in the Midwest and how to identify and treat them.

Dollar Spot Lawn Disease

This one is very often confused with Red Thread as the early symptoms are very similar in appearance. The difference is that Dollar Spot lawn disease occurs in summer, around July, and Red Thread shows up in later May and June.
Another difference is that Dollar Spot patches are brownish and not pink like Red Thread. In addition, severe dollar spots will join together, forming large brown areas in the turf.
If you’re adamant about identifying your particular problem as dollar spot, look for hourglass legions on the leaf blades. If they are there, you know it’s Dollar Spot.

Controlling Dollar Spot in Lawns

Just like Red Thread, this one is normally not a serious concern for long. It appears with 80 degree + temps and humidity, and slows down when the air dries out.
A good dose of nitrogen will help the lawn grow through the condition as well; however, I never recommend quick-release synthetic nitrogen for this. I like Milorganite Organic Lawn fertilizer because it won’t cause the lawn to stress with over-growth.
If you truly are concerned, granular fungicides available will do a fair job in “preventing” dollar spot but they must be applied prior to the problem becoming visible.
As always, you should mow properly and catch your clippings during fungal breakouts and never water at night. Here is an article on how to water your lawn the right way.