Fairy Rings
Rings are one of the most common lawn “pests”.
The rings themselves are a symptom of a fungus that thrives in lawns and other turf areas (the “roots” of the fungus, the mycelium, constrict the roots of the lawn).
They are usually noticed after heavy rains when tan mushrooms appear in a ring shaped pattern or during regular weather when circular or semi-circular areas of dead/dying turf appear. These areas have a margin of darker green turf just next to them. These darker areas are due to the fungus releasing nitrogen.
As the rings develop they grow outward and down – the mycelium can extend down into the soil several feet. Fairy rings are spread either by spores or infected soil. Fairy Ring is also spread if dethatching and aerating equipment is used on an infected lawn and then used on a healthy lawn.
Preventing Fairy Ring
Keeping the lawn healthy with regular fertilizing and watering will help keep the fungus suppressed.
Treating Fairy Ring
Though there are several products in development, there is currently not a product that will eliminate the fungus. However there are a couple of different methods to suppress the growth of fairy rings, to the point where they are no longer visible.
Spike and Soak
Take a garden fork and poke holes throughout the fairy ring. Then take a pail of water with dish soap added and soak the ring slowly (mix to the same ratio you would use to do dishes). The soap merely helps the dead/dying lawn area to take up significant amounts of water in order to help it re-grow. This needs to be done on a regular basis so the grass can start growing back into the area where it has died off. If the grass in the area is stunted you can fertilize with a high nitrogen fertilizer, but do not over-fertilize as this will spur the growth of the fungus.