Nature's Select Logo
Home
Resources
Blogs
Is Lawn Fungus Harmful to Pets and People?

Is Lawn Fungus Harmful to Pets and People?

January 18, 2023
2 minutes read

If you’re a homeowner living in North Carolina, chances are you’ve seen the beginnings of lawn fungus at some point. Fungi can take on many forms, from mushrooms to patches of yellow or brown grass. While they can look concerning, not all of them pose a threat to your family and pets. So, let’s explore how lawn fungus can affect you and your furry friends and why you should call Nature's Select Piedmont for disease control.

Are All Lawn Fungus Harmful?

No, not all fungi are considered dangerous. In fact, some types of fungi actually help aerate the soil and promote healthy grass growth. However, there are several species that do pose a risk to humans and animals alike. Examples include Pink Patch disease (which causes pinkish-red patches on the lawn) and Brown Ring Disease (which generally appears as yellow rings). These diseases can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms if ingested by people or pets.

What Can I Do To Prevent Lawn Fungus?

The best way to prevent lawn fungus is to maintain a well-balanced yard with plenty of sunlight and airflow. Make sure that your sprinklers don’t water for too long at one time as excess moisture can encourage fungal growth. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that your yard has an adequate amount of nitrogen—fertilizing your soil every few months is a good idea if you want to keep fungi at bay. Finally, make sure you mow regularly; cutting the grass short helps prevent nutrients from being absorbed by the fungus instead of the roots.

Who Should I Call for Treatment?

Fungal growth in your yard isn’t something to be taken lightly. Certain types of fungi can be harmful to both people and pets alike if ingested or inhaled. Luckily, Nature's Select Piedmont knows just how to handle the fungi in your lawn. So, if you live in Greensboro, NC, or the surrounding areas, request your free estimate from us at (336) 544-4554. We can even help with pests and tree care.

NS Plant White Icon

Join a proven brand with a simple, effective process.

Explore Franchise Opportunities

More Articles

Dollar spot lawn disease causing small circular patches of damaged grass
Dollar spot is a foliar lawn disease caused by Clarireedia fungi that produces bleached, silver-dollar-sized circles when nights turn cool, days stay mild, and dew sits on the canopy for hours. North Carolina homeowners routinely mistake it for drought, dull mower blades, insect feeding, or brown patch, which sends the wrong fix at the wrong […]
September 21, 2026
20 minutes read
Read article →
Fall overseeding for a healthy, dense lawn
Pre-emergent herbicides stop seeds from developing into seedlings, and grass seed is a seed. Apply most fall pre-emergents, and you block your own overseeding for 12 to 16 weeks. The way out is to choose an active ingredient labeled for use at seeding, or to sequence the two jobs across the calendar. A cart rolls […]
September 21, 2026
18 minutes read
Read article →
Mowed green lawn with a band of small soil cores from core aeration breaking down into the grass beside a driveway
Lawn care after aeration comes down to fourteen days. Water lightly two or three times a day for the first week to keep the top inch of soil damp, and leave the soil plugs in place to break down. Stay off the turf, hold off on mowing until new fescue reaches 3.5 inches, and skip […]
September 21, 2026
18 minutes read
Read article →

Ready for a Free On-Property Assessment?

Same-day estimate. 30+ years of biological methodology. Nature's Select® Guarantee. Local franchises, one team.
homeuserphone-handsetcalendar-fullcrossmenulist Skip to content