Dollar Spot: Is This Subtle Lawn Fungus Sneaking into Your Yard?
- Danny at Spring Touch
- Jun 24
- 2 min read
If your lawn looks like it has tiny bleach stains or dry-looking spots scattered throughout, you might be dealing with a common summer lawn disease called Dollar Spot. And no—it has nothing to do with money, even though it could cost you a good-looking lawn if left untreated.
Dollar Spot is sneaky. It starts small—literally the size of a silver dollar—but it can spread quickly in the right conditions. The good news? It’s totally manageable when caught early, and we’re here to help.
How to Spot Dollar Spot
Dollar Spot shows up as:
Small, light-colored patches that are usually a few inches to a foot wide
Bleached or straw-like spots scattered across the lawn
Grass blades with small, hourglass-shaped lesions (if you look closely)
It loves hot, humid weather and often takes hold when your lawn is low in nitrogen or stressed out from poor drainage or compacted soil.
Need visuals? Check out this helpful resource from the Iowa State University:
What Causes It?
Dollar Spot tends to thrive when:
Your lawn is underfed (especially low in nitrogen)
Grass stays damp too long from overwatering or poor drainage
Soil is compacted and hasn’t been aerated in a while
There’s excessive thatch buildup
Basically, it’s the lawn’s way of saying, “I need a little more care!”
What You Can Do
Step 1: Give your lawn a boost.
Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to help your lawn recover and grow stronger. Just don’t overdo it—slow and steady wins the race.
Step 2: Improve drainage and airflow.
Aerate your lawn to relieve soil compaction and help water soak in properly.
Step 3: Water smart.
Water early in the morning to give grass time to dry before evening—moisture overnight invites fungus.
Step 4: Still unsure? Send us a photo!
Not quite sure if it’s Dollar Spot or something else? Text us at (507) 934-5296 or email us a photo of the affected area at info@springtouchlawn.com, and we’ll help you diagnose the issue.
Recurring Problem? We’ve Got You Covered
If Dollar Spot is making regular appearances, it may be time for a professional solution. Spring Touch offers fungus control treatments to stop lawn diseases in their tracks and keep your grass looking its best all season long.
