Helping you keep problems at bay
Pests are not an unusual problem. Nature is a wonderful thing and can sometimes make us question what we’ve done wrong in even the most well-kept and established lawns. The good thing is, there is almost always a reason why, and therefore almost always a remedy which Easylawn can advise on.
Mushrooms and toadstools
Both mushrooms and toadstools are totally natural and are created by organic matter in the soil. They can sometimes be found after a new lawn has been laid.
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Why are mushrooms/toadstools formed?
There is a simple explanation for this – when ground preparation is done, it disturbs the soil where the spores have laid dormant. This can also be attributed in turn to any new topsoil that you have introduced. Typically, Autumn is the time of year you may see these mushrooms appear – the warm and damp weather make the perfect reproductive environment.
Are they poisonous?
It is impossible to say if they are poisonous or not without individual identification. As a precautionary measure you should keep children and pets away, just in case.
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Can they be treated?
There is no fungicide recommended in the UK to use against these mushrooms. As mushrooms are not harmful to the lawn and are natural and temporary, there is no real need to treat them. The simplest way to remove the mushrooms is to simply mow them out – do this daily until no more appear. Alternatively, you can sweep them with a broom and allow them to dry out and disappear.
Red thread
A fungi that appears as irregularly shaped pale pink areas. It appears during the grasses growing season. The fungi matts the turf appearing as pink fluffy growth or coral red needle-like outgrowth.
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How is Red Thread caused?
Typically, Red Thread is caused by poor quality soil. A deficiency in nitrogen, poor drainage or structured soil are common.
Can it be treated?
The best way to get rid of Red Thread is to feed the lawn. Using a pre-turfing fertiliser is beneficial if you know soil is poor quality before the turf is laid. However, if already down, you can use a lawn feed from any garden centre – follow the instruction and recommendations on frequency and quantity of application carefully.
Fusarium / Snow Mould
A fungi that presents itself as irregular shaped orange/brown areas, often a few centimetres in diameter. The fungal growth can appear white or pink and fluffy around the edges.
Why is Fusarium caused?
Fusarium occurs due to the weather and environment it is surrounded by. It is most common in Autumn as it likes still air and humid conditions. The fungi grows in the water film on the grass leaf, which is why heavy dews (continual wet periods) and still air favour its spread.
How do I treat it
Avoid laying turf in still stagnant air areas. Where you are able, mow regularly to keep the surface area as dry as possible by reducing the leaf height of the grass, making the conditions less suitable for the fungi. Healthy and free draining soil will also help prevent the chances of Fusarium occurring. In the most, your lawn will completely recover once the grass is actively growing and the weather conditions improve.
Crain Fly / Leather Jackets Larvae
Crain Fly larvae are the most common larvae found in lawns. Crain Fly are more commonly known as Daddy Long Legs, and their larvae are known as Leather Jackets. Leather Jackets have elongated tubular bodies that are up to 30mm long and are greyish brown. They have no legs or obvious heads. Lawns develop patches where the grasses turn yellowish-brown and often die.
Why do I have Leather Jackets?
It is the Crane Fly’s natural cycle to lay their eggs in the ground, which in turn hatch into larvae. The larvae feed on living plant roots. Unfortunately, this is a naturally occurring cycle. The larvae can be found in any existing lawn but can be found due to imported soil or new turf.
Can they be treated?
There are no current chemical products available on the market. Previous treatments have been removed due to recent concerns about the safety to humans and bees. If you find just a few larvae in your existing or new turf, you shouldn’t worry – simply pick them out and remove them. If you notice excessive numbers, it is of more concern! There is a biological control in the form of parasitic nematodes. These are microscopic parasitic worms which only feed on specific larvae. These can be very effective but only if applied at the correct point – they need the correct time of year, soil moisture and temperature. Their use can be economical on a small lawn but are impractical on a large scale.
Discolouration and deterioration
There are a number of reasons why your lawn may look tired or in poor condition. Below are a few examples and some quick remedies but if in doubt, give us a call.
Animal urine
This can cause brown circular patches with an outer ring that appears very bright in colour. This is most likely caused by dogs of other pets who use the lawn. You can reduce this by irrigating the area after your pet has urinated. In some cases where the lawn has died off, digging the area out and patching with new turf can be an option.
Tree roots
Often running along or under tree/hedge canopy. Caused by the fight between the roots and the grass for moisture or sunlight. These effects can be reduced by aerating the soil or by watering at the times of the year when worst affected.
Soil compaction
Brown areas appear where the lawn receives a lot of foot traffic. When it does, rainwater sits on the top and struggles to drain away. This is due to compaction and prevents the roots getting the necessary water. Aerating by spiking the lawn in these areas will help relieve the compaction and increase water drainage.
Excessive thatch
If your lawn has brown areas and feels a little spongy, it is probably because there is a build-up of thatch. This can prevent the water draining through to the roots. It is also a concern as it can promote the chance of disease. Rake or scarify the lawn to remove as much thatch as possible. Spiking the lawn can also help with the drainage.
