Is fungus or mold growing in your lawn? Here’s how to stop it (2024)

Richard Nunn, News4JAX Chief Meteorologist

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Throughout parts of the Jacksonville area, we have seen more than 9 inches of rain for the month so far.All of this wet weather might be leading to growth you don’t want, namely fungus and mold.

Believe it or not, I have the same issues in varying amounts and coverage in a few persistent wet spots. Here are some verified tips you can use to bring these lawn wreckers to heel or get rid of them once and for all.

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Got milk? Yes, milk does your body and your yard good. Mix one cup of skim milk to nine cups of water.Spray affected areas twice a week to control and kill mold.Skim milk contains amino acids and salts, which help control and kill fungus.This is safe for pets, plants and wild animals.

Or how about baking soda? Sodium bicarbonate can help control fungus from household plants to yard ornamentals.Be careful with application as too much will increase the soils pH levels.Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with a gallon of water.Spray affected areas every three days until the mold or fungus is gone.

These last two options work to both smother some plant pests and keep fungus in check.

Horticultural oil is safe for use on lawns, turf and plants.Use caution to make sure the oil overspray does not get into ponds or area waterways as it could harm aqua life.Brands vary as do the amounts for effective use.Generally the recommendation is two-and-a-half to four tablespoons to every gallon of water.Apply this mixture twice a week.

The next oil I have used on my sago palms with great success.

Neem oil is a natural oil from the seed of the neem tree.This stuff works as a fungicide, miticide and insecticide and is considered organic. Mix one ounce with a gallon of water and spray affected areas. The solution should be applied at seven- to 14-day intervals, depending on coverage.Applying this once a month or every other month can act as a preventive measure to stop new insect or fungal growth.

Copyright 2021 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

About the Author
Richard Nunn

Richard Nunn is the Weather Authority Chief Meteorologist

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Is fungus or mold growing in your lawn? Here’s how to stop it (2024)

FAQs

Is fungus or mold growing in your lawn? Here’s how to stop it? ›

Maintain proper lawn hygiene: Remove fallen leaves, large rocks, tree limbs, and other debris to reduce the risk of fungal infections. Grass clippings from a routine mowing are good for your grass so there's no need to remove them. Keep your lawn care tools clean and sanitized to prevent the spread of fungal spores.

How do you stop lawn fungus from growing? ›

Maintain proper lawn hygiene: Remove fallen leaves, large rocks, tree limbs, and other debris to reduce the risk of fungal infections. Grass clippings from a routine mowing are good for your grass so there's no need to remove them. Keep your lawn care tools clean and sanitized to prevent the spread of fungal spores.

How to get rid of mold in a lawn? ›

Use an acid treatment

Several acids can be used in an acid solution to treat white fungus in your yard. Lemon juice or white vinegar will work well together to eliminate the fungus so that it won't return. Some experts also recommend mixing a solution of household bleach and some household ammonia in equal parts.

How do you get rid of mold and fungus? ›

Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy.

Can lawn fungus be spread by mowing? ›

Lawn mowers are essential tools for lawn maintenance, but can spread fungal diseases, causing damage and unsightly patches which can take time to treat and repair. In this article, we'll provide insights on how to prevent your lawn mower from spreading fungus.

When should I spray my lawn for fungus? ›

For best results, you should apply fungicide as soon as the disease is diagnosed. For a more preventative approach, applying fungicide throughout the summer months (or when nightly temperatures rise above 60 degrees) can play a key role in the ongoing health of your lawn.

What kills fungus but not grass? ›

Neem oil works by preventing fungal spores from penetrating plant tissue. While the oil won't cure already infected grass, it does help contain the spread of disease. You can apply a baking soda solution to your turf to treat small areas of lawn fungus.

What kills mold on top of soil? ›

There are a few ingredients you can find in almost any kitchen that will help to combat mold in your houseplant's soil. These natural anti-fungals include cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, and baking soda. Cinnamon can be lightly sprinkled on your plant's soil once a week until the mold growth has stopped.

What kills 100% of mold? ›

Yes, bleach is a potent biocide that can be used to kill mold. The active ingredient in bleach, sodium hypochlorite, reacts with water to form hypochlorous acid, which kills mold by denaturing proteins, inactivating enzymes, disrupting nucleic acids, and destroying other cellular components.

What permanently kills mold? ›

There are several products that can be utilized to kill and remove mold. Some effective products that kill mold are:
  • Bleach.
  • Borax.
  • Vinegar.
  • Ammonia.
  • Hydrogen peroxide.
  • Detergent.
  • Baking soda.
  • Tea tree oil.

How to get rid of mold permanently? ›

Mix one part bleach to four parts water. Wipe and gently scrub the mould until it is gone. Finish by wiping away the bleach mixture and dry the area well with a soft cloth.

Should I water my grass if it has fungus? ›

Fungus can vary from gray spots to brown patches and it is important to treat right away so that it does not spread throughout your lawn. Fortunately, there are many solutions that can help with this issue. Recommendations: Only water your lawn as much as necessary.

Can you put too much fungicide on your lawn? ›

Can You Put Too Much Fungicide on Your Lawn? Yes, you can use too much fungicide on your lawn. Always refer to the product instructions on the amount of fungicide that should be used, as too much can burn your grass or kill good microbes, negatively affecting the soil quality.

Why does my lawn keep getting fungus? ›

What Causes Lawn Fungus? Excessive heat and humidity are the leading causes of fungus. As mentioned above, fungus often occurs in times of stress, such as drought, long rainy seasons, and overwatering. Fungus often develops because water stays on the leaf surface far too long.

What kills fungus in landscaping? ›

A solution of hydrogen peroxide and water is a great answer to your growing fungus problem. Mix up one part peroxide to nine parts water (so try an ounce of hydrogen peroxide with nine ounces of water) and add it to a spray bottle. Spray your affected plant (or plants) with the solution. Don't be shy!

Why does fungi grow on grass? ›

Moist, humid, and shady conditions are also ideal for mushrooms to thrive, so you may find them more commonly in lawns lacking in sunlight or those with poor drainage.

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