Under close mowing conditions Dollar spot appears as circular straw-colored spots (3 to 6 cm in diameter) that are distinctly outlined in the early stages of disease development. With higher cutting heights, the bleached turf spots are irregularly shaped. In the early morning dew a white cobwebby growth of the fungus may be seen over the spot. Spots may grow to cover large areas when the disease becomes severe. On individual grass blades the damaged tissues are first water soaked and dark colored. As they dry, the lesions turn light tan to straw-colored with a reddish-brown border. The lesions first occur randomly on the leaf blade, and then frequently extend across the entire blade. Older lesions may become quite long and cause blighting of the entire leaf or cut leaf end. The fungus, Sclerotinia homoeocarpa, survives unfavorable periods as dormant mycelium in infected plants, therefore, fungal movement is brought about by equipment, people, animals, wind or water. When daytime temperatures reach 60°F to 80°F, the dormant mycelium resumes growth from the infected leaves to nearby healthy leaves, causing new infections. This disease is not a major problem and usually is short lived.

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