There’s nothing quite like looking outside your window and seeing a vivid green lawn shining before you. What’s less pleasant, however, is looking out onto that lawn and noticing an ugly brown patch lying on it.
If you are one of the unlucky ones who have stumbled upon this sight, your lawn may be diseased. Fusarium patch is particularly prominent in autumn and winter, and your garden lawn may be at risk.
The reason for this is partly due to the change in climate. Autumn’s damp and mild weather, combined with the shorter days, creates ideal conditions for the disease to thrive.
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If you would like to learn more about whether your lawn has Fusarium patch – and how you can stop it – read on…
What is a Fusarium patch and how can you tell if your lawn has it?
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Fusarium patch, otherwise known as “snow mould,” is a disease caused by the fungus Microdochium nivale. It has been given the nickname “snow mould” because it is often spotted after fallen snow has thawed.
First, it appears as yellow or brown patches in a lawn space. However, the disease can spread quickly. “These patches can grow and merge, sometimes showing a white or pink cobweb-looking mould in wet conditions,” says Julian Palphramand, the Head of Plants at British Garden Centres.
How to control a Fusarium patch
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Fusarium patch is a fast-spreading fungus and, if left untreated, it can damage the grass on your lawn. To control it, we asked Julian for his top tips on managing the disease.
Keep your lawn dry
When it comes to controlling Fusarium patch, you’ll want to limit the amount of moisture on your lawn. “Rake out any dead material, keep the lawn as dry as possible, and avoid walking on wet grass,” Julian says.
Julian also recommends trimming any overhanging shrubs and making sure there isn’t a buildup of moss or thatch on your lawn.
Use low-nitrogen feeders
High nitrogen levels can exacerbate cases of Fusarium patch, and so in order to control the spread, Julian recommends gardeners use a “low-nitrogen lawn feed in autumn.”
Instead of using nitrogen fertiliser, the Royal Horticultural Society advises using a “proprietary autumn lawn feed”.
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Make sure your grass is strong and healthy
To give your grass the best chance of fighting the fungus, Julian recommends “selecting grass seed bred to resist diseases.”
“Regularly checking the soil’s nutrient levels and feeding as needed will give the grass strength to fight off problems naturally,” he says. “Good preparation and ongoing care help your lawn stay green and full of life in every season.”
Don’t panic
Spotting a Fusarium patch on your lawn can be disheartening, but there’s not always reason to panic. “Most lawns will recover naturally in spring with a little extra care,” Julian says.
He does warn, however, to keep an eye on your lawn if the fungus doesn’t go away, as “persistent cases may need professional advice or a fungicide,” he says.
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