Can occur in any season but most common in autumn and early
spring
Symptoms:
At first small patches of grass turn yellow or orange and then spread
out in size and number. The original patch is now a large brown area.
The ill grass can be wet and slimy.
Preventative measures:
Take measures to reduce lasting surface dampness, eg correct drainage,
and increase the aerial circulation. Avoid high- nitrogen fertilizers
and lime in autumn. Keep off the grass in frosty weather. Always
remove lawn cuttings.
Red Thread Laetisaria
fuciformis (past: Corticium fuciformis)
Season:
Appears in late summer and autumn when mild
Symptoms:
This affects fine, slow growing and high maintenance grasses. A spot
like damage will appear in the lawn, these have a pink or reddish
appearance due to the pin like red growths on the grass leaves. With a
strong infestation the grass can die but as a rule the patches recover
in spring.
Preventative measures:
Nitrogen fertilization should be carried out during the summer months
with sufficient dampness to promote growth. Take care that the
nitrogen levels are not too high as this can promote the spread of
snowy mould again.
Dollar Spot Sclerotinia
homoeocarpa
Season:
Autumn and spring
Symptoms:
A disease again for fine lawns. It forms perfectly circular spots
which are separated sharply, the grass in the inner of these spots has
mostly died. The brown and yellow spots can spread and join up and
cause larger damage to the lawn. Dollar spot can appear in combination
with red thread.
Preventative measures:
Ensure the lawn has a good maintenance regime and a well balanced
supply of nutrients and nitrogen.
