When outdoor fungi are mentioned, most people think of mushrooms alone. Of course, mushrooms are a lawn fungus, but there are several other types of fungi that are capable of damaging lawns and ruining well-maintained plants quickly.
Homeowners who have once tackled fungal problems on their lawns can testify that the best way to prevent fungus from damaging your lawn, is to apply a preventive fungicide treatment. This is so because once a fungal disease has taken roots in a lawn, getting rid of the disease and fixing the damage done, can be difficult, costly, and time-consuming.
Thankfully, applying preventive fungicide treatment to your lawn can help keep it healthy and free from diseases. Fungicides, also known as antimycotic, are toxic substances that control ad prevent fungal diseases. Fungicides work by eliminating the fungal invader responsible for the lawn disease and preventing them from infecting other plants and spreading throughout the lawn.
Sadly, fungicides cannot totally cure plants that have already been affected by a lawn disease. This is why the preventive application is recommended. However, if applied early enough, fungicides can stop the spread of the disease and help the plants recover quickly.
Damages could also be done to plants by insects. Fungicides are not insecticides used for pest control, and one shouldn’t be substituted for the other. They do not control or prevent damage done to plants by insects as such, ensure you determine that your lawn damage was caused by a fungus before applying treatment.
Headway G Fungicide Spreader Settings
Headway G fungicide, manufactured by Syngenta, is a granular fertilizer that provides control against a wide variety of fungal turf diseases such as brown patches, dollar spot, and anthracnose. It is safe to use, easy to apply, and provides a lasting solution to turf diseases.
Headway G also has a highly water-soluble carrier that allows for quick uptake by the plant’s roots and leaves. Even heavy dew can dissolve the carrier, adding to the efficiency of the product. Although, it is advisable to always water the product after application.
In the charts below, we have provided the application rates for Headway G fungicide in relation to the size of your yard and common turf diseases. The application interval to be used when treating turf diseases and directions for use are also provided in the charts below.
Do note that the spreader settings can be influenced by a number of factors as such, these settings should be considered as a starting point for proper calibration of your spreader.
Headway G Fungicide Application Rates Per Area
| Rate Range Per Area (lbs/M) | ||||||
| Area | 2 | 2.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 5 |
| 1ft3 | 0.002 | 0.0025 | 0.003 | 0.0035 | 0.004 | 0.005 |
| 1000ft2 | 2 | 2.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 5 |
| 5000ft2 | 10 | 12.5 | 15 | 17.5 | 20 | 25 |
| 10000ft2 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 50 |
| 1 acre | 87 | 109 | 131 | 152 | 174 | 218 |
| 10 acres | 870 | 1090 | 1310 | 1520 | 1740 | 2180 |
Headway G Fungicide Application for Turf Diseases
Fungus, or fungi as they are collectively referred to are quite similar to weeds, in that certain types of fungi are prevalent in distinct areas of a country. The location of a fungus depends on the local crop, temperature and humidity of that environment. Here are the application rates of Headway G fungicide to treat some common fungal lawn diseases:
| S/N | Target Diseases | Rate (lb/1000 sq. ft.) | Application Interval (Days) | Directions for Use |
| 1 | Anthracnose (Colletotrichum cereale) | 2-2.5 | 14 | Use preventively. Begin application prior to disease symptom development. |
| 2 | Brown Patch (Rhizoctonia solani) | 2-2.5 | 14 | Same as above. |
| 3 | Powdery Mildew (Erysophe graminis) | 2-2.5 | 14 | Same as above. |
| 4 | Leaf Rust (Pucconia spp.) | 2-2.5 | 14 | Same as above. |
| 5 | Dollar Spot (Sclerotina homoeocarpa) | 2-2.5 | 14 | Same as above.
For a non residential turf with prevailing dollar spot, use a higher rate and alternate with Danocil. |
| 6 | Red Thread (Lactosaria fuciformis) | 2-2.5 | 14 | Use preventively. Begin application prior to disease symptom development. |
| 7 | Fairy Rings (Lycoperdon spp.) | 2-2.5 | 14 | Apply as soon as symptoms develop. Irrigate with at least 0.5” of water within 24 hours after application. Symptoms may take 2-3 weeks to disappear following application. |
| 8 | Fusarium Patch (Microdochium nivale) | 3.5-4 | 28 | Use preventively. Begin application prior to disease symptom development. |
| 9 | Take-all Patch (Gaeumannomyces graminis) | 3.5-4 | 28 | Same as above.
Make 2 applications 28 days apart in the spring, and repeat same in fall. |
| 10 | Pythium Blight (Pythuim spp.) | 2-2.5 | 14 | Use preventively. Begin application prior to disease symptom development.
During periods of prolonged symptoms, treat with 10 days application interval. |
How to Know When a Lawn is Infected with Fungus
Before you begin treating your lawn with fungicide, you have to first determine that the damage done to your lawn is being caused by a fungus. That brings us to the big question; How can you identify lawn fungus? Here are a few ways with which you can tell if your lawn is diseased:
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Discoloration and Brown Patches
If you notice that your lawn has awful-looking brown patches that weren’t there during the previous season, you likely have a fungus problem on your hands. Asides from brown patches, your lawn can also display other colorations that are likewise pointers of a fungal infection such as powdery blotches, spots on leaves, and discolored grass streaks.
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Mushrooms
We all are probably well-acquainted with mushrooms being a fungus and an edible one at that. Notwithstanding, it is not a good sign when you find them growing in places they shouldn’t on your lawn. This is another indication of a looming fungal infection. Mushrooms sometimes form rings as well, so you should be on the lookout for that.
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Slimy Areas
A lawn infected with the fungus can grow a type of algae that would make the grass slimy and slippery to feel. This is a clear sign of a fungal infection.
Do Headway G granules need to be watered in after application?
Following the application of Headway G fungicide, you are to water in the granules with ¼” to ½” of water.
Do I mow my grass when applying Headway G fungicide?
When using Headway G fungicide, it is recommended not to cut your grass within 2 days before application, or 2 days after application.
Can Headway G granules be applied to a wet lawn or during rainfall?
Headway G granules should be applied dry to the turf and watered in afterward. It is best applied before a light rainfall, and not during.
What is the shelf life of Headway G fungicide?
Headway G granules are suitable for use within 3 years after opening the bag, but be sure not to allow moisture in.
How long does it take for Headway G fungicide to work?
Headway G fungicide starts to work immediately if applied correctly. You can expect to see the progression of the disease recede in 7 to 10 days after application, although this can vary depending on the nature of the infection.
