Dollar Spot Fungus vs. Spider Webs: Identification & Lawn Treatment

Cobweb-like threads on dew-covered grass that vanish when dry? Could be dollar spot fungus — or harmless grass spiders.

Dollar Spot Fungus

• Silver-dollar-sized brown spots that coalesce into irregular patches.
• Mycelium looks like spider webs on damp morning grass; disappears as dew dries.
• Triggers: low nitrogen, drought, overwatering, low mowing, heavy thatch, poor aeration + warm days/cool nights.

Control

1. Fertilize per label recommendations.
2. Water weekly (no rain), early morning for daytime drying.
3. Dethatch to improve water/fertilizer penetration.
4. Fungicides only if cultural practices fail; choose dollar spot-labeled product; follow directions.

Grass Spiders (Beneficial)

• Cone-shaped webs; spiders hide in sheltered web sections.
• Run when disturbed; bite painful but harmless.
• Beneficial — eat lawn-damaging insects.

If webs lack brown spots, you likely have spiders, not fungus. Leave them be.