Controlling dollar spot on lawns

By Lisa Beirn, Ph.D., technical services manager for Syngenta

Cultural Practices | Control Options | Savings with GreenTrust 365 | Dollar Spot Alerts


Dollar spot disease is caused by the fungus Clarireedia jacksonii and can be found on most cool- and warm-season turfgrass species throughout the world. In the Northeast and Midwest regions of the U.S., it can affect Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue and ryegrass lawns.

Periods of warm, humid weather followed by cool nights that produce heavy dews create favorable conditions for disease development. Symptoms often begin as small, bleached patches of turf that can coalesce to form larger areas of blighted turf. Upon closer inspection, you’ll find individual leaf blades exhibit white, hourglass-shaped lesions with reddish-brown margins. When dew is present, cottony mycelium can often be seen on infected turf.

Photo courtesy of Pete Dernoeden, Ph.D.

Cultural practices

Several cultural practices can help mitigate dollar spot, including:

  • Preventing moisture stress
    • Avoid watering in the late afternoon or early evening to reduce leaf wetness
  • Maintaining adequate nitrogen fertility--low nitrogen favors dollar spot disease
  • Improving air circulation by pruning or removing trees and shrubs
  • Reducing compaction and thatch by aerification
  • Using newer turfgrass cultivars that are less susceptible to disease

Chemical control

Combining fungicides with cultural practices can be a very effective strategy for controlling dollar spot. 

Compendium® fungicide combines two active ingredients – azoxystrobin and propiconazole – to effectively control dollar spot, along with many other turf diseases. It can be applied at 1.3 to 2.6 fl. oz./1,000 ft.2 on up to 28-day intervals. For best results, fungicides should be applied preventively prior to the onset of disease. Sign up for dollar spot alerts to be notified when dollar spot pressure is high in your area.

Now through December 10, Save up to 36% on Compendium.

  • Up to 9% yearlong rebate
  • Up to 2% savings with GT Bonus Booster
  • 25% volume discount pricing

Visit GreenTrust365.com/Lawn to learn how to save on Compendium and the Syngenta portfolio.

Compendium is a vital component of the lawn agronomic programs from Syngenta. These comprehensive programs are customized by region and turf type to target common insects, diseases and weeds while maximizing turf quality. To find a program for your region, visit GreenCastOnline.com/LawnPrograms.


All photos are either the property of Syngenta or are used with permission.

© 2024 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties and/or may have state-specific use requirements. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration and proper use. Compendium®, GreenCast®, GreenTrust® and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective third-party owners.

Stay Ahead of the Game:

Greencast Advisory emails deliver technical insights, product updates and in-season offers straight to your inbox.

Want to receive articles like this in your inbox each month?

Sign-up now to get tips and new product information to stay ahead of the game with Syngenta.

* Indicates required field

Email Subscriptions