Dollar Spot: The Pesky Patch Hitting Your Turf

Dollar Spot (genus Clarireedia) is a common fungal turfgrass disease that causes straw-colored, coin-sized spots—especially on closely mowed turf. It’s most active from late spring through fall, when days are warm (60–85°F) and nights are cool and humid.

How to recognize it:

• Small, bleached or tan spots (1–3 in. and up to 6 in. on lawns). Older lesions can form an “hourglass” shape with reddish-brown borders.

• Fine white, cobwebby mycelium often visible on dew-covered grass in the early morning.

What triggers it:Conditions of high humidity, prolonged leaf wetness, low nitrogen, drought stress, heavy thatch, low air circulation, and frequent irrigation.

Best defenses:

• Cultural methods first:

  • Water early and deeply; avoid late-day irrigation.

  • Apply light, frequent nitrogen to promote turf recovery.

  • Reduce thatch, aerate, and improve airflow.

• Chemical control when needed:

  
  

  Use fungicides (e.g., DMIs, benzimidazoles, dicarboximides), but always rotate modes of action to avoid resistance.

Bottom Line

Dollar spot is a persistent turf disease, especially in high-maintenance settings. You can manage it effectively with proactive cultural care and smart fungicide strategies. Keeping your turf healthy, aerated, and dry at dawn will make your lawn much less likely to suffer those telltale straw-colored spots.

We'd be happy to answer any lawn care questions you may have. Give our experts a call at 614-873-7333.