Disease Control
Fusarium Patch (Snow Mould)
Fusarium Patch is most active in autumn and during prolonged periods of damp weather. It appears as a small area of yellowing grass increasing in size.
The outer area of the affected grass may be covered with a pale fluffy mould.
Do not use fertilisers high in nitrogen in the autumn or winter. Aerate the lawn annually.
Red Thread
Red Thread turns the grass brown and gives it a tired appearance. You may see small threads coloured red pushing through the grass.
It is caused by a fungus that usually is found in shaded damp conditions, but can also be found during the summer months in particular affecting lawns that are not well fertilised.
Red Thread can be controlled with fertilisers and if persistent a fungicide treatment might be needed.
Fairy Ring
Fairy rings are several different fungi in the soil or thatch; some damage or even kill the grass, some do no harm and some stimulate grass growth by releasing nitrogen.
Control is difficult, fungicides are not always effective. Physically removing the fairy ring by digging it out is another option but again not always effective.
By dropping the smallest amount of fungus from your spade onto other areas of the lawn can simply cause further infection. Controlling the thatch by scarification and aeration of the lawn can help to prevent and control the fungi.
Pest Control
Leatherjackets
Grubs live under the surface of the leaves and feed on the stems and roots of the grass. The most common pest is the grub from the crane-fly, more commonly known as the daddy long-legs, and causes most damage in late autumn and in the spring.
Leatherjackets can be controlled by a heavy frost but that cannot be relied on, so a treatment may be advisable.
Chafer Grubs
Also known as white grub live in the soil, both larvae and adults cause damage to the lawn. Like Leatherjackets a heavy frost can help control the grub but a treatment may be advisable.
