London Lawn Care » Lawn Diseases

Snow Mould in Early 2010

rosa — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 09:53:51 +0000

“Snow mould” or Fusarium Patch seems to be on the move again this January and February after the prolonged snow cover that we have had this year. Watch out for small white growths on the lawn surrounded by nasty brown patches. See my earlier more comprehensive post http://www.londonlawncare.co.uk/fusarium-patch-pink-snow-mould-grey-snow-mould-microdochium-nivale/

If not treated this can cause long term damage and mean a lot of recovery work in the Spring.

Do get in touch and book a fungicide treatment if you’re concerned on 020 8417 1752

One to watch out for: Red Thread

rosa — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:38:28 +0000

Watch out for Red Thread which was very prevalent last summer and it is already beginning to make a come back this June. This disease is not very easily identifiable – for those of you with spectacles it would be wise to give them a clean for this job!

The infected plants will largely lose any green colour leaving you with yellowing patches on the lawn.The sward will also have a rather red appearance to both stem and leaf. At the height of its attack, little bright pink ‘balls’ are formed and these are very recognisable – like tiny patches of candy floss.

This disease should improve with the addition of nitrogen, but can spread very easily and quickly but a very effective fungicide treatment is available which should suppress the disease and its symptoms within a few days. Of course, if you’re in our area give us a call and we will come as quickly as we can and apply an appropriate treatment for you.

Fusarium Patch / Pink or Grey Snow Mould

rosa — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:21:07 +0000

Fusarium Patch (Microdochium Nivale) disease is the most common of all lawn diseases in the UK, although the symptoms are most severely seen in fine turf.

You will know if this disease is present by orange/brown circular patches which will appear on your lawn. As it spreads the patches become larger and more irregular in shape. As the disease matures these patches can have brown edges with yellowing off in the middle. Prolonged humidity (even when cold) can produce sparse white or pink mycelium – these looks a little like small snatches of candy floss.

Although usually found in the Autumn as it favours warm, humid conditions, Fusarium Patch can also appear in spring after there has been snow lying on the lawn for some lengthy period. The disease can spread and take hold under cover of a snow blanket – hence the common name ‘Snow Mould’.
It normally subsides a little as the air temperature warms up and lawns dry out. As with all diseases, it is much easier to prevent than to cure and proper lawn care and maintenance is the answer.

Key to maintaining a healthy lawn is a fertilisation programme to ensure the lawn does not get stressed due to a lack of nutrients, making it vulnerable to attack. In some cases a fungicide treatment can prevent susceptible lawns and/or help stem the tide if the disease is caught early.

If after the recent snow fall you can see evidence of this disease the following steps are a good start:

Do not walk on lawn when covered with snow and try to minimise traffic until the lawn is dryer.
Rake out dead grass plants as the weather warms up.
Re-seed patches that have been infected in Spring.

Or of course if you’re in london give us a call we’d be happy to come and have a look for you and give you bespoke advice for your lawn.