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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.