How do preventative treatments differ from curative treatments in turfgrass management?

Preventative treatments are applied before diseases appear, making them a proactive approach to turfgrass management. The primary goal of these treatments is to establish a protective barrier or enhance the turfgrass's resilience against potential diseases, pests, or environmental stresses. By using preventative measures, such as fungicides, cultural practices, or maintaining healthy turf conditions, managers aim to prevent disease outbreaks before they occur.

This differs from curative treatments, which are applied after a disease has been identified and is actively affecting the turf. Curative treatments target existing problems rather than preventing them. While they can be effective in controlling and mitigating damage from diseases that are already present, they do not address the root causes or prevent future outbreaks.

The misunderstanding among some is that preventative treatments might be seen as less beneficial or effective, but in reality, they are crucial in maintaining healthy turfgrass and avoiding costly and labor-intensive curative measures. By implementing preventative strategies, turf managers can save resources and maintain better overall turf health.