Warning over brown patches of dead grass on lawns linked to 'damaging' disease

Gardeners are urged to look out for a 'damaging' disease that rips through lawns throughout autumn and winter.

As summer comes to a close, people may start to notice unsightly brown or yellow patches on their lawn as colder weather draws in.

The dying patches of grass often merge together, meaning entire lawns can be ruined by the disease which can be difficult to control.

Fusarium patch, also called known as snow mould, is a disease which is caused by a fungus, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

It is found most frequently during autumn, winter and early spring, but attacks can occur at any time of the year. The disease is sometimes very noticeable after thaws of snow, when it is given the common name of snow mould.

Sometimes a white or pinkish mould, often described as cottonwool or cobwebs, grows on the top layer of grass.

The RHS states on its website that snow mould is "one of the most damaging diseases of turf grasses and can be difficult to control".

What to look out for

According to RHS, the disease is first noticed as:

• Small patches of yellowish, dying grass that later turn brown
• Patches increase in size and may reach 30cm (12in) or more in diameter, often merging together so that large areas can be affected
• During wet conditions a white or pinkish, cottony fungal growth may be noticed, particularly at the margins of the patch. This is not to be confused with another fungal disease called red thread, or with slime moulds in turf

How to get rid of snow mould

The dying patches of grass often merge together, meaning entire lawns can be ruined (Getty Images)

• Make sure your lawn is not left moist after rainfall or morning dews
• Improve airflow over the lawn by pruning back overhanging trees or shrubs
• Remove heavy dews in the morning with a switch (a long, pliable rod) or bamboo cane
• Avoid high doses of nitrogen fertiliser in late summer or autumn – use a proprietary autumn lawn feed instead

• The only chemical fungicide available to amateur gardeners for control of this disease is trifloxystrobin (Provanto Lawn Disease Control). It can't be used during drought conditions or when lawn is frozen

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