Does your beautiful green lawn suddenly look spotty, brown, or sickly? You spend hours mowing, watering, and fertilizing, only to see ugly patches ruin your hard work. Lawn fungus is a silent enemy, and spotting those first signs of trouble can feel frustrating and overwhelming.
Choosing the right lawn fungicide adds another layer of confusion. Should you use a liquid or a granular product? Do you need a curative or a preventative treatment? The sheer number of chemicals and application methods available makes picking the correct solution a real headache for homeowners who just want a healthy yard.
This guide cuts through the complexity. We will clearly explain what lawn fungicides do, when you need them, and how to match the right product to your specific fungal problem. By the end of this post, you will feel confident taking control of your turf health.
Ready to stop guessing and start treating? Let’s dive into the world of lawn fungicides and learn how to keep your grass vibrant all season long.
Top Lawn Fungicides Recommendations
- Use Scotts DiseaseEx Lawn Fungicide on home lawns to prevent disease before it appears and control disease at the first sign of symptoms
- Controls 26 listed lawn diseases, including brown patch, stem & stripe rust, red thread, powdery mildew, necrotic ring spot, and pink patch
- This fungicide for lawns starts working within 24 hours of application, and continues to control diseases up to 4 weeks
- For best results, begin applications of this lawn care treatment prior to disease symptoms, or when conditions are favorable for disease
- One 10 lb. bag of Scotts DiseaseEx Lawn Fungicide 10 lb. bag treats up to 5,000 sq. ft.
- FUNGICIDE: Fungus Control for lawns cures and prevents listed lawn diseases
- 30 DAY PROTECTION: Protects against lawn diseases for up to a month
- DISEASE CONTROL: Fungicide controls Red Threat, Brown Patch, Dollar Spot, Rust, and other listed diseases
- RAINPROOF PROTECTION: Systemic Fungicide is absorbed by grass and will not wash off
- Can be used on all lawn types
- DUAL-ACTION FORMULA: Controls major lawn diseases and fungus, plus kills listed lawn-damaging insects on contact
- RAINPROOF: Rainproof in hours – can’t be washed off by rain
- PREVENTS DISEASE: Start treating when grass begins to green up in the spring; for best results, treat every two weeks
- QUICKFLIP HOSE-END SPRAYER: Attaches easily to your garden hose and activates at the flip of a switch
- FUNGUS CONTROL WITH LASTING FIGHTING POWER: Gravex 20 EW Fungicide contains 19.7% myclobutanil; the same active ingredient as Eagle 20EW specialty fungicide, a trustworthy partner for broad-spectrum fungus takedown.
- CURE + PREVENT: Gravex 20 EW works double duty to deliver proven fungus control. With both curative and preventive properties, Gravex strikes out invading fungus and halts future development.
- DOLLAR SPOT CONTROL IS JUST THE BEGINNING: Gravex 20 EW delivers powerful control to more than 38 troublesome plant fungi. Some of the many include anthracnose, spring dead spot, brown patch, red thread, and rusts in turfgrass as well as powdery mildew, scab, and black spot in ornamentals. See the product label for complete control spectrum.
- FROM LAWN TO LANDSCAPE, GOLF TO GREENHOUSE – WE HAVE YOU COVERED: Approved for multiple use sites and many plant species, Gravex 20 EW is ready to tackle fungus wherever the need. Gravex may be used on common turf species, more than 100 ornamental plants, and residential fruit trees. Refer to the product label for a complete list of tolerant species and application directions.
- PROTECTION THAT GROWS: Don’t let plants outgrow your fungus control treatment. Gravex 20 EW utilizes upward systemic mobility to catch and protect tender new vegetation as it grows. This lasting inside-out approach delivers protection for up to 28 days.
- Use Scotts DiseaseEx Lawn Fungicide on home lawns to prevent disease before it appears and control disease at the first sign of symptoms
- Controls 26 listed lawn diseases, including brown patch, stem & stripe rust, red thread, powdery mildew, necrotic ring spot, and pink patch
- This fungicide for lawns starts working within 24 hours of application, and continues to control diseases up to 4 weeks
- For best results, begin applications of this lawn care treatment prior to disease symptoms, or when conditions are favorable for disease
- One 10 lb. bag of Scotts DiseaseEx Lawn Fungicide 10 lb. bag treats up to 5,000 sq. ft.
- Don't let brown spots or mildew block your path to a beautiful yard; Scotts DiseaseEx Lawn Fungicide is a fast-acting formula that stops and prevents 26 common lawn-blemishing diseases
- PREVENTS AND CONTROLS: This lawn fungus treatment is preventative when used on lawns to control brown spots and rings before they appear, and curative when applied on lawns showing signs of disease
- CURES 26 LAWN DISEASE TYPES: Offers broad spectrum disease prevention and control against Brown Patch, Stem and Stripe Rust, Red Thread, Powdery Mildew, Necrotic Ring Spot, Summer Patch, Yellow Patch and more listed diseases
- FAST ACTING: Starts working in 24 hours of treatment; the systemic fungicide formula controls common broad spectrum diseases for up to 4 weeks
- USE WITH CONFIDENCE: Apply this lawn fungus control with a Scotts spreader at a uniform coverage; a 10 lb. bag can treat up to 5,000 sq. ft.; people and pets may re-enter treated area after application
- LEAF-TO-ROOT FUNGUS PROTECTION: Artavia 2 SC contains 22.9% azoxystrobin; the same active ingredient as the leading brand. Used by the pros, azoxystrobin moves within the plant to deliver trusted root-to-leaf protection.
- FIGHT MULTIPLE FUNGI WITH ONE WEAPON: Combat more than 20 turf and 30 ornamental plant fungi with one product. Broad-spectrum Artavia 2 SC controls most foliar and soil-borne fungi including troublesome anthracnose, leaf spot, rhizoctonia, spring dead spot, and brown patch. See the label for complete fungi control list.
- TOTAL PLANT DEFENSE: Artavia 2 SC is absorbed by leaves and roots for inside-out protection against foliar and soil-borne fungi. Plus, Artavia moves within the plant to deliver total defense from the root bottom to the leaf tip – including tender new growth.
- EASE THE WORKLOAD WITH EXTENDED APPLICATION WINDOWS: Many target fungi are labeled at application intervals up to 28 days so you can go longer between sprays. Keep fungi – and workloads – at bay with long-lasting Artavia 2 SC. See the label for complete use directions and application intervals.
- APPLY PROTECTION WHERE YOU NEED IT: Approved for use on a variety of plants, Artavia 2 SC delivers powerful fungus control to turfgrass and ornamentals in lawns and landscapes, golf courses, and greenhouse/nurseries. See the label for complete use directions and tolerant plant list.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Lawn Fungicides
Lawn diseases can turn your beautiful green grass brown and patchy quickly. Fungicides are your best defense. This guide helps you pick the right one for your lawn’s needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for lawn fungicides, several features matter most. These help you decide which product works best for your situation.
1. Type of Control (Curative vs. Preventative)
- Preventative: These fungicides stop diseases before they start. You apply them before you see any spots. They create a protective barrier on the grass blades.
- Curative: These products kill fungus that has already infected your lawn. They work best when you catch the disease early.
- Systemic vs. Contact: Systemic fungicides move through the plant, protecting new growth. Contact fungicides stay on the surface and kill fungus they touch. Many modern products offer both benefits.
2. Target Diseases
Check the label! Different fungicides fight different problems. Know what disease you have (like Brown Patch or Dollar Spot). Ensure the product lists that specific disease among its targets.
3. Application Method
- Granular: These look like fertilizer. You spread them with a spreader and then water them in. They often last longer in the soil.
- Liquid Concentrate: You mix these with water in a sprayer. Liquid mixes are usually faster acting and easier to apply to small areas or spot treatments.
Important Materials in Fungicides
The “active ingredients” are the chemicals that actually kill the fungus. Reading the label helps you understand what you are putting on your lawn.
Common Active Ingredients
- Triazoles (e.g., Propiconazole): These are common systemic fungicides. They offer good, long-lasting control against many turf diseases.
- Strobilurins (e.g., Azoxystrobin): These are very effective and often used for prevention. They stop the fungus from making energy.
- Daconil (Chlorothalonil): This is a popular contact fungicide. It works well when applied directly to the infected area.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a fungicide depends on how well it works and how long it lasts.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Rainfastness: A high-quality fungicide sticks to the grass quickly after watering or rain. This means the product won’t wash away before it works.
- Broad Spectrum: Products that control many types of fungi are generally more versatile and useful for homeowners.
- Long Residual Activity: Good products keep working for several weeks, meaning you do not have to spray as often.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Fungicide Resistance: If you use the exact same active ingredient repeatedly, the fungus can adapt and become immune. Quality products often suggest rotating different types of ingredients.
- Poor Mixing: If liquid concentrates do not mix properly in the sprayer, the application will be uneven, leading to poor results.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the fungicide greatly impacts your experience.
Ease of Use
Granular products are often easier for beginners because spreading is straightforward. Liquid mixing requires careful measurement. Always wear protective gear, like gloves and long sleeves, as recommended on the label.
Best Use Cases
- Seasonal Prevention: Apply a preventative systemic fungicide early in the season if you know your lawn gets diseases every year during hot, humid weather.
- Spot Treatment: If you see a small, dime-sized brown patch, use a liquid curative fungicide to treat just that small area quickly.
- Large Area Coverage: For widespread issues, granular treatments spread over the whole lawn work best for uniform coverage.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lawn Fungicides
Q: How quickly does a lawn fungicide start working?
A: Contact fungicides start working almost immediately on the surface. Systemic fungicides need a few hours to be absorbed by the grass before they begin killing the fungus inside.
Q: Do I need a license to buy or use lawn fungicides?
A: Most common lawn fungicides sold for home use do not require a license. However, some professional-grade, highly concentrated products are restricted.
Q: When is the best time of year to apply lawn fungicide?
A: The best time depends on the disease. For prevention, apply before the weather turns hot and wet, usually late spring. For curative use, apply as soon as you notice symptoms.
Q: Can I apply fungicide when it is raining?
A: No. You should not apply fungicide right before rain is expected, or while it is actively raining. Wait until the grass is dry and no rain is forecast for at least 12 to 24 hours.
Q: Will fungicide harm my pets or children?
A: Fungicides require careful handling. Keep pets and children off the lawn until the product has completely dried or soaked into the soil, following the manufacturer’s re-entry interval (REI) instructions.
Q: How long does one application of fungicide last?
A: This varies greatly. Preventative treatments might last 3 to 4 weeks. Some longer-lasting granular treatments can provide protection for up to 60 days.
Q: What should I do after applying a granular fungicide?
A: You must water it in! Watering activates granular fungicides, moving the active ingredients down to the root zone or washing them off the grass blades so they can start working.
Q: Can I mix fungicide with fertilizer?
A: Some products are specifically designed to be mixed, but generally, it is safer to apply them separately. Always check the product label instructions before mixing any chemicals.
Q: What if the brown spots are still there after a week?
A: If you used a curative product and see no improvement, the fungus might be resistant, or you may have misidentified the disease. You may need to switch to a different active ingredient.
Q: Do fungicides kill beneficial soil organisms?
A: Most modern lawn fungicides target fungal pathogens specifically. However, overuse or using extremely harsh chemicals can sometimes impact the overall soil biome. Follow label rates strictly.