How to Get Rid of Fairy Ring Disease in Your Lawn

Fairy ring disease is a common but frustrating problem for lawn enthusiasts striving for a flawless, golf course-quality lawn. Characterized by dark green rings, dead grass patches, or even mushrooms arranged in circles, fairy rings can disrupt the uniform appearance of your turf. In this guide, we'll explore what fairy ring disease is, its causes, how it spreads, and effective strategies to eliminate it from your lawn.

What Is Fairy Ring Disease?

Fairy ring disease is a type of lawn fungal issue caused by various species of fungi, predominantly from the Basidiomycetes family. These fungi decompose organic matter in the soil, leading to distinct circular patterns on lawns. The disease manifests in three primary forms:

1. Type I Fairy Ring 

This type is characterized by dead grass patches surrounded by lush, dark green grass. It is the most damaging type as the fungal activity leads to hydrophobic soil conditions, preventing water from reaching grass roots. The lack of moisture causes the grass within the ring to die, leaving behind unsightly patches.

2. Type II Fairy Ring 

Features rings of dark green, fast-growing grass without dead patches. This type results from the release of nitrogen and other nutrients as the fungi break down organic matter in the soil, stimulating excessive grass growth in the ring. While not as harmful as Type I, it creates uneven lawn aesthetics.

3. Type III Fairy Ring

Presents as rings of mushrooms or puffballs, often without affecting the grass. This type typically appears after wet conditions, as the fungi produce fruiting bodies to spread spores. Although the mushrooms are mostly a cosmetic issue, their presence indicates active fungal growth beneath the soil. 

Related: The Most Effective Fungicides to Use on Your Lawn

A Dash of Fairy Folklore

Long before they were known as lawn nuisances, fairy rings were steeped in magical mythology. Across European folklore, these mysterious rings were thought to be the footprints of dancing fairies, portals to enchanted realms, or even marks left behind by elves hosting moonlight parties. Some tales warned that stepping inside a fairy ring could whisk you away to another world — or, at the very least, curse you with bad luck (most likely a patchy lawn).

While the only magic involved here is fungal growth, it’s still fun to imagine mischievous sprites hosting dance-offs in your backyard. Too bad they aren’t helping with lawn maintenance!

Causes of Fairy Ring Lawn Disease

Fairy ring grass disease thrives under specific conditions:

• Excessive thatch: Thick thatch layers provide an ideal environment for fungal growth.

• Low fertility soils: Soils deficient in nutrients can promote the development of fairy rings.

• Poor soil drainage: Compacted or waterlogged soils promote fungal activity.

• Organic matter: Decomposing roots, stumps, or buried wood can fuel fungal colonies.

• Inconsistent lawn care: Irregular mowing, improper fertilization, and inconsistent watering can contribute to fungal outbreaks.

• Sandy soils: Light-textured soils with high sand content relative to clay are more prone to fairy ring development.

• Moist conditions: Excess moisture can encourage fungal activity.

These factors create favorable conditions for the fungi to establish and spread within the lawn.

How Do Fairy Rings Spread?

Fairy rings spread through the growth of fungal mycelium, which extends outward from the initial infection site in the soil. The fungi thrive on decomposing organic matter, like roots, thatch, or buried wood. They expand in circular patterns as the mycelium depletes nutrients in the center and seeks fresh resources at the edges. Additionally, spores produced by mushrooms or puffballs can disperse via wind, water, or lawn equipment, establishing new colonies elsewhere. No tiny fairy footprints are involved — just good old-fashioned fungal efficiency.

Identifying Fairy Rings in Grass

Spotting fairy rings in your lawn is relatively straightforward:

• Circular or semi-circular dark green patches.

• Rings of dead or dying grass.

• Mushrooms or fungal fruiting bodies formed in rings, especially after periods of heavy rainfall.

• Uneven grass growth within the affected area.

These rings can vary in size and may expand over time as the fungal mycelium grows outward from the initial infection point.

Fungal Lawn Diseases That Could Be Mistaken for Fairy Ring

Several other fungal lawn diseases can mimic the symptoms of fairy ring disease:

• Brown patch: Causes large, irregular brown patches, especially in warm, humid conditions. Unlike fairy rings, brown patch lacks a defined circular shape and does not produce mushrooms.

• Dollar spot: Characterized by small, silver-dollar-sized brown spots that may merge into larger patches. It tends to affect closely mowed turf.

• Pythium blight: Presents as greasy, dark patches with a cottony white fungal growth in humid conditions.

• Summer patch: Creates circular patches of wilted, yellowing grass, which can be mistaken for Type I fairy rings.

While some fungicides, like Headway G Fungicide, are broad-spectrum and effective against multiple fungal diseases, it’s essential to identify the specific issue to choose the most effective treatment. 

Related: The Best Fungicides to Tackle Pythium Blight: A Guide to Protecting Your Lawn 

Are Fairy Ring Mushrooms Edible?

While some mushrooms found in fairy rings belong to edible species, it’s strongly advised not to consume them unless positively identified as safe by a mycologist. Many mushrooms look similar, and some can be toxic or even deadly. It’s best to admire/loathe these "fairy umbrellas" from afar and leave them off the dinner plate.

How to Get Rid of Fairy Ring Disease

Eliminating fairy ring lawn disease requires a combination of cultural practices and targeted treatments.

1. Improve Lawn Aeration

Aerating your lawn helps break up compacted soil, improving drainage and reducing fungal growth conditions. Use a core aerator to remove plugs of soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper.

2. Dethatch Your Lawn

Thatch acts as a breeding ground for fungi. Removing excess thatch using a dethatching rake or a mechanical dethatcher can help disrupt the fungal network.

3. Apply Fungicide

Using a high-quality fairy ring fungicide is crucial for controlling the disease. Consider these effective products:

Headway G Fungicide

Headway G is a broad-spectrum granular fungicide formulated to control a wide range of turf diseases, including fairy ring, brown patch, dollar spot, gray leaf spot, large patch, necrotic ring spot, and spring dead spot. It combines two active ingredients — azoxystrobin (0.31%) and propiconazole (0.75%) — to provide effective disease management.

Key Features:

• Dual-active ingredients: The combination of azoxystrobin and propiconazole offers broad-spectrum disease control through different modes of action.
  

• Granular formulation: Designed for easy application using a broadcast spreader, the granules dissolve quickly with light irrigation or dew, allowing the active ingredients to be absorbed by the plant.
  

• Coverage: A 30-pound bag covers approximately 8,500 to 15,000 square feet, depending on the specific disease being targeted.
  

• Safety: Safe for all grass types when used as directed.

Application Guidelines:

• Timing: Apply during periods of active disease development, typically in spring and fall.

• Rate: Follow the product label for specific application rates based on the targeted disease.

• Watering: After application, water the area lightly to activate the fungicide.

By incorporating Headway G into your lawn care regimen, you can effectively manage common turf diseases, promoting a healthier and more resilient lawn.

headway-g-fungicide-granular

Pillar SC Intrinsic® Brand Fungicide

Pillar SC Intrinsic® Brand Fungicide is a fast-acting, dual-active liquid formulation designed to provide broad-spectrum control of up to 26 turf diseases, including fairy rings, brown patch, dollar spot, leaf spots, and large patch. Its liquid formulation ensures quick disease knockdown and is safe for all grass types. The product covers 43,500 square feet per 43.5 fl oz bottle. 

Key Benefits:

• Fast-acting: The liquid formulation starts working quickly for disease knockdown.

• Dual-active ingredients: Combines two powerful active ingredients for long-lasting, broad-spectrum protection against tough turf diseases.

• One easy rate: Simplified application with a single rate for all diseases.

• Plant health benefits: Improves stress tolerance and growth efficiency, promoting healthier turf even under stressful conditions.

Application Details:

• Use Rate: 1.0 fl oz per 1,000 ft².

• Max Annual Rate: 218 fl oz per acre per year.

• Formulation: Suspension concentrate (SC).

• Coverage: One 43.5 fl oz bottle treats one acre.

Pillar SC Intrinsic® Brand is formulated for lawns and is effective against a wide range of turf diseases. It is EPA-labeled to improve stress tolerance and growth efficiency, helping achieve beautiful, resilient, high-quality lawns.

pillar-sc-fungicide-liquid-brown-patch-and-dollar-spot-control

4. Water Deeply and Regularly

Proper irrigation helps dilute fungal toxins in the soil. Water deeply to promote healthy root growth but avoid overwatering, which can exacerbate fungal issues.

5. Fertilize Appropriately

Applying nitrogen-rich fertilizer can mask the symptoms of fairy rings by promoting uniform grass growth. Consider using:

• Complete 14-7-14 - Lebanon Country Club Fertilizer for balanced nutrient support.

lebanon-country-club-complete-fertilizer-14-7-14-sgn-80

6. Physical Removal (For Severe Cases)

In extreme cases, removing the affected turf, soil, and underlying fungal material may be necessary. Replace with fresh soil and reseed the area.

Related: Turf Wars: How to Treat Lawn Fungus 

Preventing Fairy Rings in Lawns

Prevention is key to maintaining a healthy, fairy-ring-free lawn:

• Regular lawn maintenance: Keep your lawn healthy through proper mowing, watering, and fertilization.

• Regular aeration: Keep soil loose and well-drained to improve water infiltration and root development.

• Consistent mowing: Maintain the proper grass height.

• Balanced fertilization: Apply fertilizer as per lawn needs to promote uniform grass growth.

• Thatch control: Dethatch annually, if necessary, to reduce the organic matter that supports fungal growth.

• Proper watering: Avoid water stress by watering deeply but infrequently. Maintain consistent soil moisture without overwatering.

• Organic matter management: Remove decaying organic material from the soil, such as tree stumps and roots.

Break the Spell and Get Flawless Turf

Fairy ring disease can be a stubborn lawn issue; while fairy folklore adds a whimsical charm to the story behind these mushroom rings, there's nothing magical about managing them. But with the right approach, you can restore your lawn's health and beauty. By combining cultural practices with targeted treatments like Headway G Fungicide and Pillar SC Intrinsic® Brand, you'll be well on your way to achieving a lush, green lawn that rivals any golf course.

For a comprehensive selection of premium fungicides tailored to combat fairy ring disease and other common lawn issues, browse the Golf Course Lawn Store.