Red thread (Laetisaria fuciformis)
What does it look like?
Like the name implies, red thread appears as tangles of red, thread-like fungus in patches 2-10 inches in diameter.
When is a lawn susceptible?
Red thread weaves itself out during periods of cool, overcast, and rainy weather. Poorly nourished lawns are setting themselves up for red thread.
How can we get rid of it?
As long as the temperature is warm enough, a good program of nitrogen fertilization will stimulate new lawn growth, which will stave off red thread. A precise blend of nitrogen and potassium can be even more effective. In rare cases, red thread can take hold even in healthy turf. In this case, count on a good fungicide.
