Rain To Blame For Lawn, Plant Fungus

After last year's drought, you would think recent rain would be good lawns and gardens. Too much rain is actually causing problems across the Triangle.

Carl Matyac, of the Wake County Cooperative Extension Service, said fungus is growing on everything from apple trees to tomato bushes.

"It's the consistent water on the leaf surface that really causes the rapid development of all these diseases," he said. "I think you're going see some losses of foliage on plants. Some plants are going to die."

Matyac recommends walking through the yard looking for spotted leaves, dead limbs and brown patch.

Brown patch is caused by a soil fungus that has had near perfect growing conditions this year. It can spread rapidly and can kill grass if left untreated.

Matyac said brown patch should be treated as quickly as possible.

For fungus diseases in yard plants, cut off affected branches off and remove them from the yard. Composting them can reinfect the yard.

Fungicide sprays can help most of the problems.