Hi there,
I have a relatively young lawn, only seeded about a month ago.
About a week ago I noticed these red patches in the lawn. See attachments.
Is anyone able to help me identify and suggest treatment for it? Hopefully the problem is curable.
Many thanks
Posts
Could be red thread? Still mild and damp which are the conditions it likes and young lawns can be susceptible to it.
Thanks for the response Dave. any ideas on treatment?
Thanks
It will disappear with the cold weather. There's a lot on the t'internet about it. Soil conditions and drainage seem to be contributory factors as does the weather. I get it each year. I've been trying to improve the growing conditions but obviously not there yet myself.
Hi,
Certainly does look like red thread, which is caused by a fungal organism.
It commonly affects fescues, but bents, annual meadow grass and ryegrass may also get the problem.
Protracted periods of wetness are required for infection to occur and typically it is encouraged by poorly aerated, nitrogen-deficient soils.
The infection will not damage the roots of the grass and often the patches will grow back in within a couple of weeks.
Some patches may prove to be persistent, however.
Red thread can be avoided by aerating the soil with either a proper aerator or a fork.
Do not compost the grass clippings from an infected lawn, or you will only propagate the fungus.
Application of nitrogen usually cures red thread quite quickly, but it shouldn't be applied after August; an application of sulphate of ammonia in spring would be a good idea though.
There is a fungicide available (trifloxystrobin), but chemical treatment isn't really necessary in most cases.
Hope this helps.