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dark fairy ring lawn disease in poor lawn

Fairy Ring

Spotting Something Unusual?
Fairy Rings are one of the more curious and stubborn issues that can affect your lawn. While often harmless at first glance, they can signal deeper imbalances in the soil. If you're seeing strange patterns or patches, you're in the right place to learn what to do next.

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What Is Fairy Ring?

Fairy Ring is a common lawn fungus that causes dark green rings, bare patches, or mushrooms to appear. It’s caused by underground fungal growth and can affect your lawn’s health if left untreated.

There was a popular belief that when you see a darkening ring in your lawn this had been caused by fairies dancing on the lawn.

How do I know if my lawn has a Fairy Ring?

There are typically three types of fairy rings on a lawn:

  • Mushrooms only
  • Darker coloured grass with mushrooms at the edge of the circle
  • Dead grass, with mushrooms at the edge; this is the worst type.

Trying to water the area would probably show that it is not allowing water to penetrate the surface due to the soil becoming hydrophobic. Taking a soil sample from the area will show white fungus in the soil and no moisture in the area at all. It will also smell musty or mouldy.

Worried About Rings in Your Lawn?

Book a free lawn analysis with your local GreenThumb expert. We’ll identify the cause and recommend the right treatment to restore your lawn’s health and appearance.

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What can be done if my lawn has a Fairy Ring?

Fairy rings are not easily controlled due to challenges caused by their source. A measure of control can be gained by treating the areas with a soil fungicide and a good water conserver.

GreenThumb will recommend the best approach as the treatment will be commensurate with the severity of the condition. There isn’t a one-size fits all solution and we would like to give you the best advice based on a personalised lawn analysis.

3Main types of Fairy Ring found in UK lawns*
30cm+Fungal growth can reach below the surface*
2xFaster recovery with expert treatment*
60%Of cases caused by buried organic matter*

*Figures shown are approximate and based on available data. For illustrative purposes only.