FAIRY RINGS

• Pathogens:  Fifty-four species of mushrooms (Agaricales) and puffballs (Lycoperdales).
• Grasses Affected: All cultivated warm season and cool season turf grasses.
• Season of Occurrence:  Spring, summer and fall.
• Symptoms and Signs:  In overall view, zones of stimulated grass develop as more or less continuous, circular bands of turf grass that are darker green and faster growing than the adjacent plants of the same species.  These belts of greener plants may range from 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) wide, and the diameter of the circles they form will usually vary from 31- feet (0.9-3.7 m).  Several distinct rings frequently occur in the dame area.  In these cases, as the rings converge on each other, fungus activity ceases in the zones of contact.  As the result, the concentric shape of the original rings gives way to a scalloped effect.  A characteristic feature of fairy rings is the presence of the fruiting bodies of the associated fungi (sporophores) in the band of stimulated turf grass.  Commonly referred to as “mushrooms”, “toadstools”, and “puffballs”, from time to time these structures maybe abundant throughout the circumference of the rings.
• Conditions Favoring Disease Development:  Edaphic fairy rings are produced by fungi that colonize primarily the soil.  Depending on the nature of the soil profile and the presence or absence of organic matter, these fungi may go to a depth of 2-3 feet (0.6-1 m).  Edaphic fairy rings begin from transported bits of mycelium.  Two to three years from the beginning of active colonization of the soil are usually required for the characteristic rings to develop.  Although the diameters of typical edaphic fairy rings range from 3 feet (1 m) to 12 feet (3.7 m), rings have been found that measure up to 2600 feet (800 m) across.  Variations in rate of enlargement of the rings have been recorded from 3 inches ((7.6 cm) to 2 feet (0.6 m) per year.  Areas void of vegetation or currently supporting active fairy rings, serve as barriers to the outward progress of the rings.

1.     Control:  Call Empire Tree and Turf for a free estimate on a fungicidal program for your turf grass.