Spring Dead Spot is caused by a fungus that actually is active during the fall. (It often goes unnoticed because the turf is generally going dormant at the same time. Consequently, treatment for this disease must be made early in the fall. Once the disease has exhibited in the spring, recovery can be expedited by treating with a fungicide for turf diseases, flooding the area with water and fertilizing to initiate new growth. If thatch is a problem then dethatch the area. If the fungus is left untreated and unchecked it can become quite severe with the spots coalescing into large patches.
This disease can be prevented with proper nutrition, yearly core aeration to reduce compaction and care being taken not to fertilize with high nitrogen fertilizers late in the season such as in September.
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