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Powdery Mildew Guide

Identify

Inspect

Treat

Prevent

Powdery Mildew Identification Guide

Powdery Mildew is a White Fungus

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects turf, often recognized by its flour-like, dusty appearance. This disease is mainly cosmetic and usually doesn’t cause significant harm to the affected grass, though it can be unsightly and distracting in your lawn.

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Appearance

Powdery mildew causes your turf to appear as though it has been dusted with flour, giving the affected areas a white or grayish hue. Small spores cover the grass blades, appearing as a powdery substance on each leaf. Over time, these white spores can completely cover the grass blade.

Initially, the infected areas are small but can spread as the spores are carried by the wind. Powdery mildew typically thrives in cool, damp conditions, particularly in shady areas, where it can expand and affect larger patches of grass.

Powdery Mildew Inspection Guide

Powdery Mildew is Easily Recognizable

Powdery mildew is simple to identify due to its distinctive appearance. Knowing when and where to look for this turf disease will make it even easier to spot.

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Step1 Inspect the Right Areas

Powdery mildew thrives in environments with high humidity, poor air circulation, low light, and cooler temperatures. The disease typically begins in areas with these conditions, such as shaded spots that receive limited sunlight or airflow, including areas near buildings or under overhangs.

Step2 Inspect During the Right Conditions

Powdery mildew thrives in high-humidity periods, especially when overcast weather occurs. During such conditions, make sure to inspect your lawn, particularly in shaded areas, for early signs of this disease.

Powdery Mildew Treatment Guide

Treating Powdery Mildew on Your Lawn

Preventative fungicide treatments work best for controlling powdery mildew. If applied to areas already affected, fungicide will help protect new or unaffected grass but won’t eliminate existing powdery mildew.

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Step1 Apply Preventative Treatment

Using Lawn Fungicides
To effectively prevent powdery mildew, it’s important to apply fungicide before it takes hold on your lawn. The optimal time for treatment is during the spring and fall when the weather is moderate and humidity levels are high. Your local extension office can provide guidance on the best time for treatment in your area.

If you missed the ideal window for preventative treatment, don’t worry—powdery mildew usually doesn’t cause significant harm to your turf. You can apply a preventative product the following season to avoid the disease from spreading.

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Step2 Treat Surrounding Areas

If you notice powdery mildew affecting specific patches of your lawn, be sure to apply fungicide to the surrounding turf, especially in shaded areas that are more prone to disease. While fungicide won’t cure the existing infection, it will help protect the unaffected grass, ensuring your lawn remains healthy, green, and visually appealing.

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Powdery Mildew Treatment Infographic

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Powdery Mildew Prevention Guide

Enhance Yard Conditions

Powdery mildew thrives in areas with low sunlight and poor airflow. Improving these conditions in your yard—particularly in shaded areas—can reduce the environment that encourages its growth. In some cases, planting disease-resistant grass varieties may also help keep powdery mildew under control.

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Step1 Increase Sunlight

Boost Sun Exposure
Sunlight helps to prevent powdery mildew by eliminating the ideal conditions for it to grow. Trimming excessive foliage and pruning trees that cast too much shade can increase sunlight penetration to your lawn, helping to reduce the chances of powdery mildew spreading.

Step2 Improve Airflow

Enhance Air Circulation
Good airflow is crucial for preventing fungal diseases like powdery mildew. You can reduce the humidity around your lawn by regularly mowing the grass, trimming landscape plants, and clearing out unnecessary debris or plants. These actions will help keep your lawn dry and less conducive to mildew growth.

Pro Tip

If your lawn is frequently shaded and cannot receive more sunlight through pruning, consider replacing the grass with a mildew-resistant variety, especially if powdery mildew is a recurring problem each season.

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