A fairy ring, also known as fairy circle, elf circle, elf or pixie ring, is a naturally occurring ring or arc of mushrooms. The rings may grow over ten meters in diameter and become stable over time as the fungus grows and seeks food underground. They are found mainly in forested areas, but also appear in grasslands or rangelands. Fairy rings are not only detectable by sporocarps in rings or arcs, but also by a necrotic zone (dead grass) or a ring of dark green grass. If these manifestations are visible a fairy fungus mycelium is likely present in the ring or arc underneath.
How to deal with mushroom rings on the lawn
In autumn, especially if it's damp, mushrooms pop up in the lawn. Brush them off if young children play in the garden.
A flush of mushrooms after laying a new lawn is quite normal.
If the mushrooms form a ring shape, or part of one, however, you have a problem with fairy rings and these are a nuisance.
Also watch for a noticeable ring of lush, dark-green grass or a circle of dead grass. These are all part of the disease that lives on the grass and forms dense mats of fungal strands below the soil.
Rid the lawn of all traces of the fungus by removing the ring. Dig down at least 12in and out the same distance on either side of the ring. Replace with fresh topsoil and reseed or returf.
Hopefully, the fairy rings will not return. For a less strenuous option, mask darker grass by feeding the rest of the lawn with autumn lawn fertiliser.
- RHS gardening advice is one of the benefits of being an RHS member. We can help you grow plants, solve gardening problems, identify plants and much more. RHS members have the advantage of being able to use the personal service by phone, letter and email. For a taste, browse the extensive profiles online or ask a question in the RHS online forums
- By RHS Advisory Team
Published: 4:13PM BST 15 Sep 2009
No comments:
Post a Comment