Red Thread

Red Thread is a turf disease caused by the corticoid fungus; the signs are yellow, red or brown patches. Red Thread has two stages; the first stage is identified on closer inspection by visible tiny red threads attached to the blades of the grass. The second stage is identified by small pink fluffy objects (which is mycelium attached to the blades of grass) and sometimes seem to be bonding two blades of grass together.

As the infection progresses, patches get larger and also new patches can start appearing.

Red Thread is caused by wet and humid conditions and unhealthy underfed lawns are more susceptible. The feeds that Lawnsavers Lawn Treatment Services apply, Hollow Tine Aeration, Scarification (if Thatch or Moss are present) and the advice we give about mowing, watering and other advice all help to promote a healthy lawn which will make the lawn less susceptible to attack.

Following the application the lawn should take about 2 – 3 weeks to recover.

Red Thread usually occurs in the Summer but we have seen it in the Spring, Summer, Autumn and even Winter.

A common myth is if Red Thread is present in the lawn it means that it is due to lack of nitrogen and nothing else and as soon as nitrogen feed is applied, the Red Thread will disappear after about 2 – 3 weeks. This is wrong, as wet and humid weather can also cause Red Thread.