At Creekside Turf Management, we’ve been seeing more signs of Dollar Spot Fungus across lawns in the Cedar Rapids–Marion area and Johnston-Des Moines area. Whether you manage a commercial property or take pride in keeping your home’s lawn lush and green, Dollar Spot can be both frustrating and unsightly.
Here’s what you need to know to identify it early and keep your turf healthy.
What Is Dollar Spot Fungus?
Dollar Spot is a turf disease caused by the fungus Clarireedia jacksonii. It thrives in warm days, cool nights, and high humidity—conditions that are especially common in Iowa during late spring through early fall.
The disease gets its name from the small, silver-dollar-sized patches it creates on grass blades. These patches can merge, creating large, bleached-out areas that damage your lawn’s appearance and health.
How to Identify Dollar Spot
You may have Dollar Spot Fungus if you notice:
- Small, circular tan patches (about 1–3 inches in diameter).
- Straw-colored grass blades with reddish-brown edges.
- Blades that look “bleached” in the morning dew.
It often starts small but can spread rapidly if left untreated.
Why Does It Happen?
Dollar Spot thrives when:
- Grass is stressed from drought, poor fertilization, or heavy traffic.
- Lawns stay wet for long periods (especially overnight).
- Soil lacks adequate nitrogen.
- The weather pattern includes humid days and cool nights.
Even healthy lawns can experience Dollar Spot under the right conditions, but stressed lawns are much more vulnerable.
How to Prevent and Treat Dollar Spot
At Creekside Turf Management, we recommend a proactive approach:
- Proper Fertilization – Ensure your lawn has the right balance of nutrients, especially nitrogen, to strengthen turf against disease.
- Morning Watering – Water early in the day so grass blades dry before nightfall.
- Mowing Practices – Keep blades sharp and mow at the recommended height for your grass type to reduce stress.
- Reduce Thatch – Aeration and dethatching help prevent excess moisture from lingering.
- Professional Fungicide Applications – In severe cases, targeted fungicide treatments can stop the spread and protect against future outbreaks.
Why Professional Care Matters
Dollar Spot Fungus can be stubborn. Without the right treatment plan, it often returns year after year. Our team uses professional-grade products and custom turf programs tailored to Iowa’s unique climate and soil conditions—something store-bought solutions can’t always match.
We also work to identify and correct the root cause of the disease so your lawn is healthier and more resilient in the long run.
Serving Cedar Rapids–Marion and Johnston
Whether you have a home lawn or manage commercial grounds, Creekside Turf Management has the expertise and local knowledge to help you keep your property looking its best. If you suspect Dollar Spot Fungus or any other turf issue, don’t wait—early intervention makes all the difference.
Contact us today to schedule a lawn evaluation and get a plan in place to protect your turf.
