Lawn Diseases - Disease in Lawns.

Lawn diseases are different to Lawn Pests. Though there is often confusion. Basically a lawn disease is either a fungal attack, a virus or even a bacteria.

Most lawn diseases are caused one form or other of fungi. Most can be prevented by a proper maintenance schedule, and in particular proper attention to feeding. Fungal diseases generally attack weak impoverished lawns - rarely well fed and maintained lawns. The main diseases are outlined below, with links to a more detailed explanations and cures/preventions.

Fusarium Patch - Snow Mould. (Monographella) Can appear at any time of the year in the UK but is normally noticed in early Spring or Autumn. Small yellowing patches are first signs.
Red Thread - Corticium. Normally a problem on fine grass lawns - especially those which are rarely, if ever, fed. Late summer - early Autumn are the most important times. Patches of pale grass, later taking on a pink tinge are first signs. Sometimes difficult to spot early on neglected lawns.
Dollar Spot - Sclerotina. A disease of fine grass lawns - not normally Ryegrass or general purpose lawns. Small patches around the size of a 50p piece are first signs. Unless treated the small patches can merge and cause considerable damage.
Ophiobolus Patch - Ophiobolus graminus. This affects fine grasses of the Bents group, and is fatal. Usually starts as a small bare slightly sunken area which gradually increases in size.
Slime Mould - an Algae type growth in damp area o0n the lawn. Easy to sort.

Toadstools are often categorised as diseases, but are usually harmless - unless forming fairy rings - though nevertheless troublesome. Most toadstools are as a result of dead, decaying organic matter under the surface of the lawn. The toadstools feed on such matter, and usually surface in damp autumn conditions.