Preventing Disease Triangle - The Key to Lawn Care

by Karen Lawson
HomeOwnerNet Columnist

Brown spots. Sparse growth. Pest problems. A healthy lawn requires proper amounts of light, nutrients, air, and growing mediums. According to the National Arboretum, disease cannot take hold of your lawn unless the disease triangle - a precise combination of three factors conditions - is present:

Understanding How Your Lawn Resists Disease

Each of the following three factors contribute to disease triangle must be present before it can affect your lawn:

Disease pathogen: This is the organism that causes disease; it includes bacteria, fungi, insects and their larvae, and microscopic organisms such as nematodes.
Environment: Disease pathogens require specific conditions in order to survive and multiply. Regularly scheduled lawn care can help prevent conditions that lead to disease; consult a nursery or lawn and garden retailer to evaluate factors such as nutrients, soil conditions, irrigation, and pest-control needs.
Host: In the case of lawn disease, the host is turf grass, which is naturally resistant to disease and pest infestations if adapted to your area and given proper care.

Your lawn is naturally resistant to diseases and pests. Its dense growth and network of roots help to repel some pests and disease-causing organisms. Lawn care and maintenance can promote healthy groundcover and root structure. Your lawn and garden retailer can help you select appropriate grass types and develop a lawn care regimen that supports a healthy lawn. Home and garden shows can provide information about a wide variety of lawn and garden products and services. These events can be a great venue for learning about the newest garden and lawn-care products, plants, and gardening techniques.

Source

U.S. National Arboretum

About the Author
Karen Lawson is a freelance writer who enjoys writing about nature and the environment. She holds BA and MA degrees in English from the University of Nevada, Reno.