Hosts
All turfgrass species
Symptoms
Fairy ring symptoms vary depending on the species of fungus. A dark
green band of turf may develop in a circle or semi-circle, or a ring
of brown, dying grass may occur. Mushrooms may or may not be present.
White, fungal mycelia may be observed under the thatch layer.
Conditions favoring disease
Soils with a thick thatch layer or undecomposed organic matter favor
disease development. Lawns with low fertility or insufficient water
tend to have more damage than lawns with adequate fertilizer and
water.
Prevention and management
Apply adequate nitrogen to
mask symptoms and increase activity of beneficial soil organisms.
To improve water penetration, aerate and
water heavily in holes for several days. Dethatch the
lawn if the thatch layer is more than 1/2 inch (1.2 cm) thick. Rake
mushrooms to improve the appearance of the turf. Dig out the turf
and root zone that contains a white, cottony mass to a depth of 12
inches (30 cm) and 2 ft (60 cm) beyond the outer edge of the ring.
Refill the area with clean soil and reseed or re-sod. Fungicides
are available but they have not been observed to reliably control
fairy ring.
For more information on mushrooms in lawns, refer to:
Pest Notes: Mushrooms
and Other Nuisance Fungi in Lawns |
