The following management practices will help achieve vigorous, healthy turf and reduce disease problems:
• Prepare the soil properly by taking soil samples to determine proper lime and nutrient requirements.
• Remove debris such as rocks and stumps.
• Provide proper drainage.
• Plant a locally adapted, disease-resistant turfgrass.
• Purchase high-quality, disease-free seed, sod or sprigs from a certified producer.
• Mow turfgrasses often enough so that no more than 30 percent of the leaf blade is removed in a single mowing. If more plant material is removed, the grass can become stressed and more susceptible to disease-causing organisms and insects.
• Keep mower blades sharp.
• Raise the mowing height during stress periods such as drought.
• Apply water when signs of moisture stress are observed on 30 to 50 percent of the lawn. Apply enough to wet the soil 6 to 8 inches deep.
• Apply fertilizer and lime according to soil test recommendations.
• Raise the mowing height in shaded areas to help the turfgrass absorb the light that does penetrate the tree canopy.
• Design landscape plantings so that trees and shrubs do not restrict light penetration or air circulation to the turfgrass canopy.