Category Archives: Fungi and Mushrooms

Fungi are classified into their own kingdom. They are neither plants or animals. There are over 130,000 named species with millions yet to be classified.

They play a very important part in the ecosystems of our lawns and gardens. Many species of fungi decompose organic matter in the soils, working in symbiosis with plants. They break down organic matter, providing plants with nutrients in exchange for sugars.

Some fungi are parasitic and actually attack grasses. These cause unsightly patches and dead grass areas in your lawn.

Find out how to identify the good from the bad, and what you can do to help your grass overcome any fungal infections.

Question: Mushrooms on my lawn?

A cluster of small mushrooms growing on a lawn

I received this question in January 2019 as a comment on my blog page “Why is there mushrooms growing on my lawn?”. I though I would expand on it a little. Hi Kris,About two years ago we had an old Flowering Cherry tree on our front lawn cut down. Later that year the tree stump ground out, all… Read More »

Red thread lawn disease (Laetisaria fuciformis)

Red thread (Laetisaria fuciformis) is a parasitic fungal disease which infects grass. It can appear in conjunction with pink patch lawn disease, causing similar symptoms. The disease causes areas of grass to discolour. These are usually circular, but they can coalesce into larger areas. These patches can appear over a few days, and may stay for several weeks.… Read More »

Pink patch lawn disease (Limonomyces roseipellis)

Pink patch (Limonomyces roseipellis) is a parasitic fungus which can infect lawn grass. It often appears in conjunction with red thread lawn disease, causing similar symptoms. The disease causes areas of grass to discolour. These are usually circular, but they can coalesce into larger areas. These patches can appear over a few days, and may stay for several… Read More »