FAIRY RING

FAIRY RING
Fairy Ring is caused by a variety of species of mushroom-forming fungi. Fairy Rings are fairly circular and can range in size up to several feet in diameter. They may be noticed in several forms: 1) dark green rings with no dead turf; 2) dark green rings with a thin ring of dying or dead turf inside or outside the green ring; 3) rings of dying and dead turf with a hardened layer of soil that is difficult to irrigate; and 4) rings of mushrooms without a visible effect on the turf. Many of these mushrooms are poisonous and should not be eaten. The fungus can be spread by spores dispersed by the mushrooms within the rings. In some cases, rings or mushrooms can appear in the turf grass and cause no apparent damage. Weeds will commonly show up in infested areas.

All grasses can be infected with Fairy Ring. Soils that have a thick thatch layer or undecomposed organic matter favor the development of the disease. Lawns with low fertility or insufficient water tend to have more damage than lawns with adequate fertilizer and water. A turf grass management program that provides proper fertilization and irrigation along with regular dethatching of the turf grass will help prevent the development of this disease. Fungicide treatment or soil removal may be necessary if Fairy Ring becomes a regular problem.