Early summer is that time of year we start to get our lawn in tip top shape for its debut season. From garden parties, BBQs, sunbathing and garden games, summertime is the time of year that we can enjoy our lawns the most. So, when pinkish, red blades begin appearing in your lawn, naturally, this can cause alarm bells.
Red thread is one of the most common fungal diseases found in lawns across the UK. The good news is, that if red thread does begin to creep its way through your lawn and raise a concern, the disease is very unlikely to be fatal, as it does not kill the roots of the grass plant. Instead, it is considered more of a nuisance to your lawn rather than a deadly disease.
A balanced nutrient programme will prevent the fungus from establishing and help to push red thread out of your lawn.
What is Red Thread?
Simply put, red thread is patches of jagged red thread through your lawn – hence the name! It is a common fungal disease which appears as pinkish/red needles slicing through areas of healthy green grass that can take over small or large patches making areas of your lawn look bleached in appearance.
The fungus does not affect the root system of the grass and recovery may happen after a few days or weeks, even without remedial action. However, lawns which suffer from persistent patches of red thread may require further attention and analysis.
What causes Red Thread?
The disease can develop at anytime of the year, but the best conditions to encourage this fungus to grow and spread is during Summer and Autumn, following wet and humid weathers where there has been lots of rain and heat but not much else.
Lawns that are poorly aerated and those deficient in key nutrients are more susceptible to red thread. If a lawn being attacked by red thread is lacking a feed of nutrients, this can allow the disease to spread and take over.
Red Thread can develop at anytime of the year but the best conditions to encourage red thread are wet and humid summers.
Preventing and curing Red Thread
Prevention and cure of red thread are almost the same and it’s important to note that in many cases, red thread is short-lived, so your grass will grow out to its former strength and vigour as weather conditions change.
Feeding your lawn a fertiliser will help to push red thread out of your lawn and prevent the fungus from establishing in the first place. Our Annual Lawn Care Treatment Programme will give your lawn the nutrients it needs to tackle red thread and reduce the risks with regular fertiliser treatments.
Aerating your lawn to ensure your grass is well-drained will also help to avoid the disease.
Unless your lawn has a widespread problem and is excessively covered with red thread, we do not recommend treating the disease with fungicide. This can be costly, and the treatment is short-lived.
Unless your lawn has a widespread problem and is excessively covered with red thread, we do not recommend treating the disease with fungicide.
What do our lawn care experts recommend for Red Thread?
Most lawns require a balanced nutrient programme to ensure a green and healthy sward.
At Lawntech, our team of technicians specialise in lawn care techniques and treatments to feed your lawn the nutrients it needs to build its strength to prevent and fight against the disease.
To find out more about the benefits of our treatment programme, contact our friendly team here. You can also try our online quote tool to receive an instant, no obligation quote today.
