Tag Archives: Fungus

A fungus is any member of the group of eukaryotic organisms which includes microorganisms such as yeasts and molds, as well as the more familiar mushrooms. These organisms are classified in biology as having their own distinct kingdom, Fungi. This is completely separate from the other life kingdoms of plants and animals.

A fungus is not a plant or animal

Fungi are essential to life. They break down and recycle nutrients in the environment. This enables these nutrients to be available to plants and animals. Fungi are found worldwide.

In a lawn care setting, fungi are essential in maintaining a healthy soil. Fungal mycelium is present all through a healthy soil and provide a valuable link between soil and plants.

Fungus can also be damaging to grass plants. There are several species of fungal diseases which prey on weak grass. Red thread is the most common fungal infection in the UK. It is especially seen in warm, damp summers.

Find out more about fungus and your lawn in these blog pages.

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 »