Necrotic Ring Spot

Necrotic Ring Spot admin February 21, 2023

NECROTIC RING SPOT FUNGUS

Necrotic Ring Spot Treatment Without Using Chemicals

Understanding the Cause and Recovery Process

Necrotic Ring Spot (NRS) is one of the most frustrating lawn diseases, often surrounded by misinformation regarding its causes and treatments. The primary trigger for NRS is prolonged overwatering of the lawn, typically over several months. The problem is worsened when combined with chemical fertilizers, which disrupt the soil’s microbial balance and create low-oxygen conditions—the ideal environment for the Necrotic Ring Spot fungus to thrive.

Step #1 – Correct the Overwatering Problem

If you notice NRS in your lawn, it’s a sign of an underlying issue—excessive moisture. The first and most crucial step toward recovery is to reduce watering to prevent further damage. Implementing the 1-2-3-2-1 lawn watering technique can help regulate moisture levels and create an environment less favorable to the fungus.

Step #2 – Rebuild Soil Microbial Health

Restoring a healthy soil microbiome takes time and consistency, often requiring up to two years for full recovery. This process is essential for strengthening the lawn’s natural defenses and preventing future outbreaks.

Improperly Programmed Sprinklers Cause NRS

The spores of the Necrotic Ring Spot fungus are found in soils worldwide, but regions like Colorado, where sprinkler systems are common, are particularly prone to NRS. Unlike natural rainfall, which varies in frequency and intensity, irrigation systems can create consistently overwatered conditions when programmed incorrectly, accelerating fungal growth.

Organic Soil Conditioners

By reducing overwatering, using organic soil conditioners like humate and compost, and fostering a balanced microbial ecosystem, you can eliminate NRS at its source and promote a healthier, more resilient lawn in the long run.

Before Treatments for
Necrotic Ring Spot

Necrotic Ring Spot taking over! Patchy, yellowing grass with characteristic rings—time for a rescue mission!

After Treatments
(Approx 18 Months)

From patchy to healthy again! After successful treatment, this lawn is thriving again—lush, green, and free of Necrotic Ring Spot!

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO REBUILD THE SOIL

Rebuilding the Soil’s Microbiome Takes Time!

Healthy soils are essential for maintaining a vibrant lawn, and one key component is the presence of beneficial microbes. These microbes help stabilize the soil’s microbiome, creating a competitive environment that keeps harmful organisms, such as necrotic ring spot fungi, in check. Without these beneficial microbes, the necrotic ring spot fungus can thrive unchecked, particularly in oversaturated soil, which promotes an oxygen deprived environment for the spores to thrive.

Full Soil Recovery Takes Approximately
1-2 Years

When a necrotic ring spot outbreak occurs in your lawn, managing it can be a daunting challenge. The recovery process is lengthy, often taking nine months or more. This extended timeline is primarily due to the need to rebuild soil health. In an oxygen deprived environment the necrotic ring spot does not have any healthy competition from beneficial microbes. Therefore, having patience and the commitment to the soil recovery process is crucial for reviving your lawn from necrotic ring spot. 

Necrotic Ring Spot Before Treatment Began

Necrotic Ring Spot Treatment
Necrotic Ring Spot in a Boulder lawn. Before the treatment plan was started.

4 Months After Treatment Process Began

Necrotic Ring Spot Recover: 4 months after the initial treatment plan started. This lawn is improving but it needs more time.

6 Months After Treatment Process Began

Necrotic Ring Spot Recover: 6 months after the initial treatment plan started. This lawn is drastically improved but there are still a few minor spots that have not fully recovered.

15 Months After Treatment Process Began

Necrotic Ring Spot Recover: 15 months after the initial treatment plan started. This lawn is drastically improved and it appears that the Necrotic Ring Spot treatment plan worked beautifully.

How to Cure Necrotic Ring Spot in Grass

Should You Apply a Fungicide?

Fungicides are a Bad Idea!

Fungicides Kill Both Good and Bad Microbes

When dealing with Necrotic Ring Spot in your lawn, it’s crucial to avoid fungicides. While they do target harmful microorganisms, they also destroy the beneficial microbes.  Rebuilding the beneficial microbial population is essential to reclaiming the lawn from the Necrotic Ring Spot fungus. The best approach to curing Necrotic Ring Spot is to foster a thriving, diverse community of beneficial microorganisms. Once the soil and the microbiome is balanced, the microbes will naturally combat the Necrotic Ring Spot fungus spores.

Fixing the Anaerobic Soil Takes Time

The main reason a lawn becomes overrun by Necrotic Ring Spot is because the excessive water caused by the overwatering replaced the air in the soil, and without air the majority of the microbes die.  The Necrotic Ring Spot fungus thrive in an anaerobic environment which is why they thrive in an excessive lawn watering environment.

Necrotic Ring Spot Spores are In Everyone’s Soils

It’s essential to understand that Necrotic Ring Spot fungus spores are always present in the soil and are not spread by core aeration, lawn mowing, or other lawn maintenance activities. These spores are everywhere; they only pose a threat when excessive overwatering occurs for extended periods. By adjusting your watering habits to follow the 1-2-3-2-1 lawn watering technique and promoting healthy soil, you can effectively manage this problem.

DO NOT Apply a Fungicide!

Lawn Disease and Fungus Treatment Services
Never apply fungicide to a lawn affected by Necrotic Ring Spot. Fungicides can eliminate both beneficial and harmful microbes. The key to restoring the lawn is to focus on rebuilding the beneficial microbes so they can outcompete the harmful ones.

A Closer Look at Necrotic Ring Spot?

Mild Necrotic Ring Spot Fungus

Early signs of Necrotic Ring Spot are appearing with mild patchy areas in the lawn. Proper watering, aeration, and rebuilding the soil can help stop it from spreading and promote recovery.

Early Stages of Necrotic Ring Spot

Mild Necrotic Ring Spot damage is visible, but with the right lawn care approach, it can be managed. A quality organic fertilizer, fix the lawn watering, and core aeration will help restore the grass.

Minor Necrotic Ring Spot Fungus

Necrotic Ring Spot is starting to show, but it's not too late to take action. Addressing soil health, reducing stress on the grass, and applying organic soil conditioners can keep the lawn looking its best.

Mild Nerotic Ring Spot Fungus

Necrotic Ring Spot has caused noticeable damage, with patchy, circular areas disrupting the lawn's health. Treating the soil, fixing the overwatering, and remember to avoid fungicides.

Moderate Necrotic Ring Spot Fungus

Necrotic Ring Spot Lawn Fungus Treatment Services
Moderate Necrotic Ring Spot damage is spreading, leaving distinct rings and thinning grass. Proper aeration, rebuilding the soil, and adjusting watering practices can help restore the lawn.

Patchy Necrotic Ring Spot Fungus

Organo-Lawn :: THE TELLTALE SIGNS OF AN OVERWATERED LAWN
The effects of Necrotic Ring Spot are becoming more pronounced, but recovery is still possible. Focus on soil health, including many core aerations, organic fertilization, and stimulate soil health to promote new growth.

Advanced Necrotic Ring Spot Fungus

Severe Necrotic Ring Spot damage has taken a toll, but recovery starts from the ground up. Focus on rebuilding the soil microbiome with compost, organic matter, and beneficial microbes to restore balance and strengthen the lawn.

Extreme Necrotic Ring Spot Fungus

Necrotic Ring Spot Fungus Treatment
Overwatering has contributed to extreme Necrotic Ring Spot damage, creating the perfect environment for the fungus to thrive. Adjusting irrigation practices, improving soil health, and regular core aeration will help the lawn recover.

Severe Necrotic Ring Spot Fungus

Necrotic Ring Spot
It may be tempting to apply fungicides, but the key to long-term recovery is fixing the root cause. Strengthening soil health, reducing excess moisture, and encouraging beneficial microbes will create a resilient, disease-resistant lawn.

How to Cure a Necrotic Ring Spot Infested Lawn?

Step #1: Fix the Lawn Watering Problem (Easy to Fix)

Program the Controller to Follow the 1-2-3-2-1 Technique

The most important step is to address the issue of overwatering the lawn. Necrotic Ring Spot is always found in areas that are excessively moist or wet, particularly where drainage is poor. To help remedy this, follow the 1-2-3-2-1 lawn watering technique. This method allows adequate time between lawn watering cycles, giving adequate time for the soil to dry out completely. Additionally, it’s crucial to water early in the morning rather than late at night. If the overwatering isn’t resolved, the lawn fungus problem will continue to persist. Organo-Lawn will not guarantee curative results for your lawn in the Boulder or Fort Collins area unless an Organo-Lawn employee performs a sprinkler startup or audit.

Proper Sprinkler Coverage
The primary cause of Necrotic Ring Spot is excessive lawn overwatering over an extended period. Until the excessive watering practices are corrected, no amount of lawn treatments will cure this disease.

Step #2: Rebuild the Microbial Population in the Soil
(Takes Time and Difficult!)

Rebuilding the Microbial Populations Takes Time (1-2 Years)

It is essential to rebuild the beneficial microbial populations in the soil. The fungus will continue to be an issue until beneficial microbial activity is restored. Please note that rebuilding the soil takes time; a severe case of necrotic ring spot may take 1-2 years to fully recover.

Organic fertilizers feed the soil, not just the plants! They promote a thriving microbial ecosystem, enhancing nutrient cycling and soil health. In contrast, chemical fertilizers can disrupt this balance, harming beneficial microbes and leading to soil degradation over time.

How Do We Rebuild the Soil?

Lots of Core Aeration

Perform 2-3 lawn aerations per year, one in early spring, one in late spring, and one in the fall to alleviate soil compaction and introduce air into the soil so the microbes can breathe. Air is vital to establishing a living soil and the more a lawn is aerated the faster the lawn will recover. 

Double Aeration is Even Better!

Double aeration is a good idea for lawns with severe necrotic ring spot damage or for people that want to speed up the recovery process. 

Core aeration alleviates soil compaction and introduces air into the soil. Air is essential for restoring soil that has been overwatered for an extended period.

Remove the Dead Grass (If Necessary)

Manually remove the dead grass in the necrotic ring spot circles. You can do this using a heavy metal rake.  It takes a little bit of effort, but the lawn will recover quicker if the dead grass has been removed. 

Metal Rake

Raking Dead Grass
Raking out dead grass allows new grass or seed to fill the damaged areas of the lawn.

Humate Soil Conditioner

Stimulate beneficial microbial activity by applying Humate soil conditioner 2-3 times per year. Humate will feed the beneficial microbes and help break up compacted soils.

If you don’t have access to a Humate soil conditioner product, try to use a 100% organic soil conditioner or compost as an alternative. 

Humate soil conditioner
Humate is a wonderful treatment for rebuilding soils.

Apply Only High Quality Organic Fertilizers

Avoid chemical fertilizers or anything with a fast release or inorganic nitrogen source. The nitrogen in chemical fertilizers is typically white in color and high in salt. These salt based nitrogen sources kill beneficial microorganisms and will hinder the recover process.  A very good organic fertilizer for curing necrotic ring spot is Synergy with Corn Gluten Meal.

Organic Lawn Fertilizer Service
Organic fertilizers stimulate beneficial microbes. Chemical fertilizers kill microbes, so never apply a chemical fertilizer to a Necrotic Ring Spot lawn!

Proper Lawn Mowing

Never mow the grass when it is wet, and always wait 24 hours after a mowing to water the grass. After a mowing the grass blades have been damaged. It takes 24 hours for a grass to repair the abrasion. If water is added to the lawn before the lesion has time to heal, the fungus can use the water as a transportation mechanism and infect new and otherwise healthy blades of grass. Make sure to mow the grass at 3 inches or taller.

Proper Lawn Mowing - Boulder
Mowing the grass tall will stimulate deep digging grass roots.

Be Patient!

It Takes 1-2 Years to Recover the Soil

Patience is a key factor for homeowners tackling lawn issues, but it can often be the toughest challenge when dealing with Necrotic Ring Spot. Depending on the severity of the infestation, it may take up to 2 years to fully recover the lawn.  The reason for this is because it takes a long time to rebuild the beneficial microbial population in the soil. 

Monitor the Progress

If the lawn hasn’t made much progress after following steps 1-6 and a full year has passed, the reason may be that the soil is still lifeless or lacking in beneficial microbial activity.  This means that one of the 4 main (air, water, food, and heat) elements in soil recovery is still not correct. 

Air, Water, Food, and Heat

Just like all living things, microbes need 4 basic elements to thrive: air, heat, water (keeping it moist but not waterlogged), and food (organic matter) to thrive.  If the lawn is not improving, it is essential to ensure one or more of these vital elements—air, water, heat, and food—are being properly addressed. Overwatering is particularly detrimental and is usually the element that is still out of balance.

Cheical Fertilizers Kill Microbes

Chemical fertilizers can harm soil microbes and upset the natural balance of the soil ecosystem. High levels of synthetic nutrients, especially nitrogen, can create a harmful environment for helpful microbes.

If You Aren’t the Patient Type!

Speeds Up Recovery with Compost! 

We offer compost top dressing services at an additional charge for customers that want to dramatically speed up the recovery process.  We have found that one application of a high-quality compost can enhance the recovery time by up to 2 times faster.

Introduces Millions of Beneficial Microbes

The reason that compost top dressing is so effective is because a high-quality compost is already teaming with millions of microbes.  Therefore, instead of rebuilding the microbial populations naturally, the compost top dressing will introduce the microbes organically. 

Compost Topdressing Service
Applying compost as a top dressing can effectively double the recovery time from necrotic ring spot, promoting healthier grass and a vibrant lawn.

Remember…. Avoid Fungicides!

Fungicide Applications Kill Microbes and Microbes are What We are Trying to Rebuild

Using fungicides to treat Necrotic Ring Spot (NRS) can often do more harm than good. While fungicides may temporarily suppress the fungus, they do not address the root cause of the disease—poor soil health, compacted conditions, and imbalanced microbial populations. The us of fungicides can kill beneficial microbes that naturally help suppress the disease, further weakening the soil’s ability to recover. Additionally, NRS is primarily a stress-related disease, meaning that improving soil aeration, increasing organic matter, and maintaining proper watering practices are far more effective long-term solutions. Rather than relying on fungicides, focusing on soil health and plant resilience is the best way to manage and prevent Necrotic Ring Spot.

Build the Soil with Organics

Organic fertilizers help soil microbes by providing them with organic matter and nutrients. Organic fertilizers also improve soil structure and water retention, creating a good home for beneficial microbes.

Typical Treatment Schedule for
Necrotic Ring Spot

Early March

Single or Double Aeration and Synergy Application

Mid April

Sprinkler Audit and Humate Soil Conditioner Application

Mid May

Single or Double Aeration and One Earth Weed Control Application

Late June

Synergy Application and Humate Soil Conditioner Application

August

Synergy Application

Early September

Single or Double Aeration and Humate Application

October

Single or Double Aeration and Synergy Application

Optional Addition (Any Time of Year)

 Compost Top Dressing (Compost Top Dressing Speeds Up Soil Recovery by 2X)

Do You Need Help Fixing Your Necrotic Ring Spot Lawn?

Treating necrotic ring spot fungus may seem straightforward; however, correcting the watering practices can be complicated.

 

Boulder (303) 499-2000
Fort Collins (970) 225-9425 

Understanding the Necrotic Ring Spot Recovery Timeline

Necrotic Ring Spot
(Approximately 1 Year for Full Recovery)

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Mild necrotic ring spot in a lawn in Boulder, Colorado.
(Click on Image to Enlarge)

Mild NRS
(Approximately 1 Year for Full Recovery)

Necrotic Ring Spot Lawn Fungus Treatment Services
Severe necrotic ring spot in a lawn in Fort Collins, Colorado.
(Click on Image to Enlarge)

Average NRS
(Approximately 1 Year for Full Recovery)

Necrotic ring spot is always found in areas of the lawn that are severely over watered.
(Click on Image to Enlarge)

Severe NRS
(Approx 2 Years)

Necrotic Ring Spot Lawn Fungus
Necrotic ring spot is a clear sign of a dead soil.
(Click on Image to Enlarge)

Extreme NRS
(Approx 2 Years)

8c0185d082970aeb92956aca73fee6ca
This is a severe case of Necrotic Ring Spot in a lawn in Longmont, CO.
(Click on Image to Enlarge)

Very Severe NRS
(Approx 2 Years)

This is a very severe case of necrotic ring spot fungus that was found in a lawn in Lafayette, Colorado
(Click on Image to Enlarge)

Early Stages of NRS
(Approx 1 Year)

This is a very common photo of what necrotic ring spot looks like in a lawn in Loveland, Colorado.
(Click on Image to Enlarge)

Severe NRS
(Approx 2 Years)

68393bea854241e8070100fb165d4dd8
This severe case of NRS in Fort Collins took 2 years to repair.
(Click on Image to Enlarge)

Young NRS
(Approx 1 Year)

Necrotic ring spot takes anywhere from 1-2 years to cure.
(Click on Image to Enlarge)

Necrotic Ring Spot Treatment FAQs

How to Fix a Necrotic Ring Spot Lawn?

To effectively address Necrotic Ring Spot, it’s essential to focus on eliminating the underlying cause rather than simply treating the symptoms. Infestations of Necrotic Ring Spot fungus in a lawn typically indicate that the lawn has been overwatered for an extended period. Severe overwatering creates an anaerobic environment in the soil, displacing air and allowing only certain types of soil microbes to thrive.

Fixing the Lawn Watering Issue is the Most Important Step

To remedy the fungal problem, the most crucial step is to water deeply but infrequently, following the 1-2-3-2-1 lawn watering technique. Creating a living soil rich in microbial activity is key to curing Necrotic Ring Spot. A diverse and competitive microbial population in the soil contributes to a healthier lawn.

Stick with the Plan!

Effective lawn care practices to help heal Necrotic Ring Spot without the use of chemicals include using humate soil conditioners, performing lawn aeration, and mowing properly. It is important to avoid applying lawn fungicides to areas affected by Necrotic Ring Spot, as these products can eliminate both harmful and beneficial microbes in the soil, which is counterproductive to curing the fungal issue.

The recovery time from Necrotic Ring Spot (NRS) depends on the severity of the condition. If the NRS is mild, it typically takes 3 to 6 months for the disease to resolve. However, in severe cases, it may take 1 to 2 years for the lawn to completely recover from all symptoms. We have found that applying compost top dressing alongside the regular treatment plan can accelerate recovery, reducing the time needed by approximately half.

We have found that the only way to guarantee results is to perform all of our services ourselves. The most challenging part to get right is the sprinkler audit. Additionally, we have noticed that when other companies handle the core aeration, the results are not as effective as when Organo-Lawn performs the aeration.

The improvement of a lawn affected by Necrotic Ring Spot depends on the time of year treatment begins and the severity of the damage. If treatments are started during the summer months, the lawn may initially appear worse before it starts to improve. This occurs because adjustments to the lawn’s watering schedule can temporarily lead to a decline in appearance before any positive changes take place.

Generally, we’ve observed that in the first one to two months, the lawn may look worse or show little to no improvement. However, with time, it will gradually start to recover. Patience is crucial when successfully treating a lawn infested with Necrotic Ring Spot.

Technically, yes, but in reality, no. Aerators pull plugs of soil from the ground, and if these plugs contain the fungus, it could transfer spores to other areas of the lawn. However, for the fungus to establish itself in a new lawn, the watering conditions would have to be excessive, creating an environment ideal for Necrotic Ring Spot (NRS) to take hold. NRS fungi thrive in anaerobic conditions, where the soil is heavily saturated and lacks oxygen. Therefore, a healthy lawn would not develop Necrotic Ring Spot just because a plug from an aerator was introduced into it.

Avoid using fungicide on lawns affected by Necrotic Ring Spot. These chemicals can disrupt the balance of both beneficial and harmful microbes in the soil. Instead, concentrate on nurturing the beneficial microbes, as they will help outcompete and eliminate the harmful ones, ultimately restoring your lawn’s health.

Many chemical lawn care companies focus on treating the symptoms rather than resolving the underlying issues. Unfortunately, the products they use often harm the beneficial microbes that are essential for healthy soil. Both fungicides and chemical fertilizers can kill these important organisms. Without revitalizing the population of beneficial microbes, a lawn suffering from Necrotic Ring Spot will never fully recover. It’s crucial to adopt a holistic approach to lawn care that fosters soil health and addresses root causes for lasting results.

If you’re dealing with Necrotic Ring Spot, it’s a sign that your watering practices need attention. We’ve heard from hundreds of customers who faced the same issue, and in every case, a thorough evaluation of their sprinkler systems revealed a problem with overwatering. By correcting this, you can restore the health of your lawn and prevent further damage!

You don’t need to remove soil or sod from a lawn to treat Necrotic Ring Spot. The solution lies in addressing the underlying causes, which are always severe overwatering and a lack of beneficial microbial activity in the soil. By correcting these two issues, your lawn will no longer be prone to developing Necrotic Ring Spot.

We have discovered that applying compost as a top dressing will introduce billions of beneficial microbes into the soil. This can significantly accelerate the recovery of the lawn, provided that the necessary conditions to support these beneficial microbes have been addressed. Specifically, proper lawn watering practices should be in place, and core aeration should have been performed.