As the nice spring conditions give way to the heat and dryness of summer the turf will pay the price. A common disease known as Ascochyta has been popping up all over town.

Damage from this leaf disease is extremely unsightly. Patches of infected tissue can eventually take over an entire lawn. Managing turf with high quality slow release fertilizer is key to reducing the likelihood of widespread infections.

Ascochyta leaf blight has become a common problem on Kentucky bluegrass lawns in Colorado. Large uniform areas of affected turf will turn straw-colored. Leaves usually start dying back from the tips.

Ascochyta can occur throughout the growing season, but is more prevalent in the spring when there are extended wet periods.

The first line of defense against Ascochyta leaf blight is to manage the turf properly.

Proper irrigation is also a valuable tool to maintaining a healthy lawn. Reducing the thatch layer where the spores reside will help to limit the severity of Ascochyta outbreaks. Infections from this disease often resembles drought stress and can make it difficult to properly identify an infection. If you believe an infection is present in your turf, take a sample to your local extension agent (Colorado State Extension) for analysis.