Dollar Spot in Warm-Season Lawns: Complete Guide
Dollar Spot creates distinctive silver-dollar sized dead patches in Florida lawns, particularly Bermuda and Zoysia grass. This fungal disease thrives when lawns are nitrogen-deficient and drought-stressed.
What Dollar Spot Looks Like
Dollar Spot gets its name from the small, silver-dollar sized circular patches it creates in closely mowed turf. These patches typically range from 1-3 inches in diameter in finely textured grasses like Bermuda, though they can grow larger (up to 6 inches) in St. Augustine and other coarser grasses. The patches often merge together in severe infections, creating larger irregular dead areas.
Individual grass blades infected with Dollar Spot display a distinctive symptom called "hourglass lesions" - tan or straw-colored bands that span the width of the blade with reddish-brown borders on each side. This pattern is a key diagnostic feature that distinguishes Dollar Spot from other lawn diseases. The lesions bleach to an almost white color as they age.
In the early morning when dew is present, you may notice white, cottony fungal growth (mycelium) on infected grass, resembling spider webs stretched across the patches. This mycelium is produced by Clarireedia jacksonii (formerly Sclerotinia homoeocarpa) and disappears as the grass dries during the day. This fleeting morning symptom is another helpful identification tool.
Dollar Spot tends to appear when lawns are stressed by drought, low nitrogen fertility, or both. In Florida, it's common to see outbreaks in spring and fall when cool nights and warm days combine with morning dew. Unlike diseases caused by overwatering, Dollar Spot often indicates your lawn needs more water and fertilizer, not less.
Warm-Season Grasses Affected
When It Strikes in the South
In Florida, Dollar Spot is most active during spring (March-May) and fall (October-November) when nighttime temperatures drop to 60-75°F while days remain warm. Extended morning dew periods and drought-stressed turf create ideal conditions. The disease is less common during hot summer months but can persist year-round in Florida's mild climate.
How to Confirm Dollar Spot
- 1Look for silver-dollar sized (1-3 inch) circular straw-colored patches throughout the lawn
- 2Examine grass blades for hourglass-shaped tan lesions with reddish-brown borders
- 3Check in early morning for white, cottony fungal strands (mycelium) on patches that disappear when dry
- 4Note if lawn has been drought-stressed or lacking nitrogen fertilizer recently
- 5Confirm patches are scattered throughout lawn rather than concentrated in one area
Treatment Steps for Dollar Spot
- 1
Apply a nitrogen fertilizer to stimulate new growth - this disease thrives in nitrogen-deficient turf
- 2
Increase irrigation to deliver 1 inch of water per week, watering deeply in early morning
- 3
Apply a contact or systemic fungicide containing propiconazole, myclobutanil, or thiophanate-methyl
- 4
Continue fertilization on a regular schedule to maintain lawn vigor and resistance
- 5
For persistent infections, apply a second fungicide treatment 14 days later with a different active ingredient
- 6
Dethatch if thatch layer exceeds 0.5 inches to improve water and nutrient penetration
Recommended Products
BioAdvanced Fungus Control
Contains propiconazole for effective Dollar Spot control with up to 30 days protection
View on Amazon →Spectracide Immunox Fungus Plus
Myclobutanil-based fungicide that prevents and controls Dollar Spot and other lawn diseases
View on Amazon →Milorganite Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer
Slow-release organic nitrogen to correct deficiency and prevent Dollar Spot recurrence
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Prevention Tips
- ✓Maintain adequate nitrogen fertility with regular fertilizer applications throughout the growing season
- ✓Water deeply but infrequently to promote deep root growth and drought resistance
- ✓Reduce thatch buildup through core aeration and proper mowing practices
- ✓Avoid mowing when grass is wet to prevent spreading fungal spores
- ✓Apply a preventive fungicide in early spring and fall if Dollar Spot has been a recurring problem
- ✓Improve morning sun exposure to reduce dew duration on grass blades
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Dollar Spot appear when my lawn looks dry and hungry?▼
Dollar Spot is strongly associated with nitrogen-deficient, drought-stressed turf. The fungus exploits weakened grass that lacks the nutrients and water needed to defend itself. This is why fertilizing and proper irrigation are key treatment strategies - they help the grass outgrow the infection while fungicides kill the pathogen.
Will Dollar Spot go away on its own without fungicide?▼
Sometimes. If you correct the underlying nitrogen deficiency and drought stress, your lawn may recover without fungicide as the grass regains vigor. However, fungicide speeds recovery and prevents the disease from spreading further. For severe infections or if patches are expanding, fungicide treatment is recommended.
How is Dollar Spot different from Brown Patch?▼
Dollar Spot creates small (1-6 inch) scattered patches with hourglass lesions on blades, while Brown Patch creates larger circular patches (6 inches to several feet) with a smoke ring border. Dollar Spot thrives in low-nitrogen, dry conditions while Brown Patch favors high-nitrogen, wet conditions. Treatment approaches differ accordingly.
How long until Dollar Spot damage recovers?▼
With proper treatment including fungicide, fertilization, and irrigation, new grass growth should begin filling in Dollar Spot patches within 2-3 weeks. Full recovery typically takes 4-6 weeks depending on the grass type and growing conditions. Bermuda grass recovers fastest due to its aggressive spreading growth.
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