Frequently Asked Questions About Seasonal Fungi

Red Thread & Other Seasonal Fungi are picked up easily in lawns throughout Southern New England in late May and June. It is important to know that there is nothing "wrong" with your lawn. It is part of Mother Nature's process. Below are the questions we hear most often, along with the options we have found to work well.

What causes seasonal fungi in my lawn?

Daytime temperatures are on the rise while the nighttime temps are still relatively cool. Combine those factors with consistently high humidity and we have conditions that favor the spread of fungi in turf. The fungi are introduced by spores that lie dormant until the right levels of heat and humidity are achieved. While actively growing, the fungi produce millions of more spores that will lie dormant over the following winter to become active in the lawn again the following spring. Lawns that have fungi will tend to have them in following seasons, as the climate tends to be consistent.

Do you offer a fungicide treatment?

Yes. We prefer applying granular fungicide 2-3 times at a 2-3 week interval for both preventative and curative methods. Granular fungicides range in price from $75-$150 for our average lawn size. These methods, however effective, can be expensive.

How should I mow my lawn while fungi are active?

Be sure to wipe the blades before and after each mow to help reduce the spread of fungi. Let the grass grow a little taller than normal, then mow the lawn down to approximately 3 inches. Make sure to bag the clippings. This will bring a lot of the diseased matter out of the lawn. If you cannot bag, rake the clippings out. Do this for several weeks until the weather changes to more arid, less humid conditions. After that, regular mowing practices are preferred.

How should I water my lawn while fungi are active?

Keeping the lawn irrigated is important. We suggest that the lawn be watered for 30-40 minutes per zone, only twice weekly, while fungi prevail. The days in between watering allow the turf to dry out and ventilate. The grass needs to continue growing while fungi are active in the lawn. If the lawn is not watered during this period, the diseased areas are more susceptible to summer drought damage.

Can I reduce the chance of fungi coming back?

Having the lawn aerated and/or dethatched at the proper times will help increase ventilation in the lawn and help reduce the likelihood of fungi.

How do I repair a lawn that has been damaged by fungi?

Lawns that have been diseased with seasonal fungi are likely to need some minor repair, and the fall is the best time for such repairs. In almost all cases, a basic aeration & overseeding of the lawn is all that is required.

Get Your Lawn Back on Track

If seasonal fungi have left your lawn thin or discolored, we can help you control the spread now and repair the damage this fall. Simply Safer Lawn Care is here with experienced, eco-conscious lawn care you can trust.

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