Concord Services offers an alternative program for the control of Necrotic Ring. Spot disease (also known as fusarium blight or patch disease). This is a complex of at least four known disease pathogens. This destructive disease causes ring-like blighted patterns generally ranging in size from 6-24 inches. These patterns are sometimes described as having a frogeyed appearance. This is due to a brighter green center of turf with a ring of dead turf surrounding it. Although it can attack any Kentucky Bluegrass lawn, it is generally associated with sodded Kentucky Bluegrass lawns that are 2 - 5 years old. Left unchecked, Necrotic Ring Spot can devastate a lawn within one season. Weather conditions that favor the outbreak of Necrotic Ring Spot are generally hot and humid (upper 80's or higher, with night time temperatures above 70 degrees). Thus it is usually more active in the midsummer months of July and August.

In the past, chemical fungicides were the only products available that provided any type of control. Concord Services offered fungicide treatments and obtained fair to adequate results. In the mid 1980's, Organic Disease Control products were introduced. University research data that was published showed excellent results. We have used the Organic Disease Control program for 6 years with excellent results. We now offer only the Organic Disease Control program for control of Necrotic Ring Spot.

The Organic Disease Control product is an organic based fertilizer made from poultry by-products. This fertilize, is blended with active, beneficial microorganisms and enzymes that help decompose thatch, condition the soil, and attack the damaging disease organisms. As the beneficial microorganisms and enzymes battle the disease, the fertilizer promotes recovery of the " frog-eye" scarring.

Treatment # l - Your normal Spring treatment with fertilizer, preemergent crabgrass control and weed control if weeds are active.

Treatment # 2 through 5 - Organic Disease Control treatments consisting of organic based fertilizer and broadleaf weed control if weeds are active. Core Aeration - Core aeration is a very important part of the Organic Disease Control program. Core aeration is the process of removing cores of soil 1/2 inches in diameter by 2 inches long every 5 inches. The thousands of small holes that result "open up" the soil, allowing better root penetration, more efficient use of water and nutrients, and mom rapid decomposition of thatch. We also offer a double core aeration involving two passes over the lawn. We cannot over emphasize the importance of core aeration to the Organic Disease Control program.

Like most fungus problems, Necrotic Ring Spot is very difficult to control and is not classified as curable. However, most lawns show a significant improvement after one year. After the second year, most signs of the disease should be substantially gone. It is possible that some new disease activity may result even when you are on the program. This usually occurs when the lawn is under stress from any one of the following: excessive heat and humidity, mowing too short, heavy traffic or south facing slopes receiving intense solar radiation.

MOW HIGH - Mow at 3' for best results

LIGHT FREQUENT WATERING - 10 to 15 minutes every day, longer if dry spots develop. MID DAY

WATERING WHEN TEMPERATURES ARE 95 DEGREES OR ABOVE - Studies have shown that the disease progresses most during the hottest part of the day. Watering for no more than 10 minutes between noon and 2:00 PM on these very hot days will help to stop the progress of the disease.