1) What does it look like?

Fusarium patch disease most commonly appears as patches of yellow/brown/beige spots of dry grass.  You may also notice a white substance on this area of grass, resembling cotton wool or cobwebs.

2) What causes it?

The disease appears during the Autumn and Winter due to the following:

a. More clouds in the sky, which block the sun.

b. Reduced daylight hours, again blocking the

c. Mist in the air

d. Warmer overnight temperatures
3) Does it develop easily on turf that has been laid more recently?

Fusarium patch disease can develop on all turf – not just brand new turf! However, the blades of grass are shorter on brand new turf. This means that the disease is going to be more visible.
4) How do I treat it?

This disease is natural, so the best thing for it is a natural recovery. This means waiting until there’s more exposure to the sun and therefore more light.

At Eco, we supply Rolawn turf. Rolawn state:
“Rolawn turf will recover, over the course of the following growing season. Therefore expense on fungicide treatments is not necessary.

“Fungicide treatments can be used on diseased turf; however, if weather conditions are suitable for Fusarium patch disease after spraying, the disease can reoccur within a relatively short space of time, therefore, negating the benefit of spraying.

“Care needs to be taken when using chemicals and, as far as we are aware, they are only available to the professional market. Consequently, we do not recommend this option for customers, unless they are qualified greenkeepers or groundsmen.”
5) How do I avoid further attacks?

Put simply, the best way to avoid Fusarium patch disease is to keep a healthy lawn. To ensure your lawn is healthy, provide food, water light and air.

Fusarium develops rapidly under conditions of low light and damp. If you keep these factors to a minimum, you have a good chance of preventing the disease.

To learn more about the turf we provide, please click here.