What is Ransley Pro Grow?

Your go-to app for premium turf. Browse, calculate needs, order easily, and get expert lawn care tips delivered right to your phone.

Are mushrooms in my lawn dangerous?

Most lawn mushrooms are harmless to your grass but some can be toxic to pets and children if ingested. We recommend removing them promptly, especially if you have young children or pets. Never eat wild mushrooms unless identified by an expert.

Why do I have a ring of mushrooms in my lawn?

This is called a fairy ring, caused by underground fungal growth spreading outward in a circle. The fungi break down organic matter in the soil, often from old tree roots or buried debris. At Ransley Pro Grow, we recommend aerating the affected area and improving drainage.

Will mushrooms damage my lawn?

The mushrooms themselves don't damage grass, but fairy rings can cause dark green circles or dead patches. The fungal mycelium can make soil hydrophobic (water-repellent), causing grass to die from drought stress.

What causes fusarium patch in lawns?

Fusarium patch is caused by the fungus Microdochium nivale. It thrives in cool, damp conditions typical of UK autumns and winters. Factors that increase risk include poor drainage, excessive nitrogen, and lack of air circulation. Our team at Ransley Pro Grow sees this commonly in lawns that have been over-fertilised late in the season.

How do I get rid of fusarium in my lawn?

Treatment involves applying an appropriate fungicide, improving drainage through aeration, and removing excess moisture by brushing away dew. Prevention is key - avoid late-season nitrogen fertilisers and ensure good air circulation. We recommend our autumn lawn feed which is formulated to strengthen grass against winter diseases.

Will fusarium patch kill my lawn?

Fusarium rarely kills an entire lawn but can cause significant damage if left untreated. The grass usually recovers in spring with proper care, though badly affected areas may need overseeding. Early treatment is essential to limit spread.

What does red thread look like on a lawn?

Red thread appears as irregular patches of pale, straw-coloured grass with distinctive pink or red thread-like strands visible on the grass blades. In humid conditions, you may also see small pink cotton-wool like growths. The patches are typically 5-50cm across and often appear bleached.

How do I treat red thread in my lawn?

The most effective treatment is applying a nitrogen-rich fertiliser as red thread typically affects nutrient-deficient lawns. At Ransley Pro Grow, we recommend our spring/summer lawn feed to boost grass health. Improving air circulation and watering in the morning also helps. Severe cases may require fungicide treatment.

Is red thread harmful to my lawn?

Red thread is primarily a cosmetic problem and rarely causes permanent damage. The grass usually recovers once fed properly. However, repeated infections can weaken the lawn over time, so addressing the underlying nutrient deficiency is important.

Why is my grass turning orange?

Orange grass is typically caused by lawn rust disease, a fungal infection that produces orange spore masses on grass blades. It's most common in late summer and autumn when warm days combine with cool, dewy nights. The orange colour is actually millions of fungal spores.

How do I get rid of rust on my lawn?

Apply a nitrogen-rich fertiliser to encourage new growth and mow regularly to remove infected grass tips. Water deeply in the morning rather than evening to reduce humidity. The disease usually resolves itself once conditions change or the grass receives proper nutrition. Our lawn feed products at Ransley Pro Grow are ideal for this.

Will lawn rust go away on its own?

Lawn rust often resolves naturally when weather conditions change, but addressing nutrient deficiency speeds recovery and prevents recurrence. Without treatment, affected lawns can thin significantly, so we recommend feeding with a quality fertiliser.

What causes dollar spot on lawns?

Dollar spot is caused by the fungus Clarireedia jacksonii (formerly Sclerotinia homoeocarpa). It thrives when lawns are low in nitrogen and experiencing drought stress combined with humid conditions. The characteristic small circular patches result from the fungus killing individual grass plants.

How do I fix dollar spot on my lawn?

The most effective treatment is applying a nitrogen-rich fertiliser as dollar spot primarily affects underfed lawns. Water deeply but infrequently, and brush away morning dew to reduce humidity. At Ransley Pro Grow, we recommend addressing the underlying nutrient deficiency rather than relying solely on fungicides.

Is slime mould harmful to my lawn?

Slime mould is completely harmless to your lawn. It's not actually a fungus but a primitive organism that feeds on bacteria and decaying matter in thatch. It simply uses grass blades as a support structure and doesn't infect or damage the grass itself. Our advice at Ransley Pro Grow is to simply brush it off.

How do I get rid of slime mould on grass?

Slime mould can be easily removed by brushing, raking, or washing it off with water. Mowing will also remove it. No chemical treatment is needed. The mould will naturally disappear as conditions dry out.

What causes fairy rings in lawns?

Fairy rings are caused by soil-borne fungi that grow outward from a central point, breaking down organic matter. They often originate from buried wood, old tree roots, or stumps. The distinctive ring pattern occurs because the fungus has exhausted nutrients in the centre and continues growing outward.

How do I get rid of fairy rings permanently?

Complete removal is difficult as it requires removing infected soil to a depth of 30cm and width of 30cm beyond the visible ring. For most homeowners, we recommend management rather than eradication: aerate deeply, apply wetting agents, feed regularly, and remove mushrooms promptly. Our lawn care products can help maintain healthy grass.

Are fairy rings bad for lawns?

The impact depends on the type. Type 1 fairy rings cause dead patches and are most damaging. Type 2 causes dark green rings which are mainly cosmetic. Type 3 produces only mushrooms without affecting grass. All types can spread, so management is recommended.

What does take-all patch look like?

Take-all patch appears as bronze, reddish-brown, or bleached circular patches that gradually enlarge. Unlike other lawn diseases, affected grass doesn't green up with fertiliser. If you pull up affected grass, you'll notice the roots are blackened and rotted. The patches often become colonised by weeds or moss.

How do I treat take-all patch in my lawn?

Treatment focuses on lowering soil pH, as the fungus thrives in alkaline conditions. Apply sulphur or iron sulphate to acidify the soil, improve drainage through aeration, and overseed with resistant fescue varieties. At Ransley Pro Grow, we can advise on suitable grass seed mixes for your situation.

What do leatherjackets look like?

Leatherjackets are the larvae of crane flies (daddy longlegs). They're grey-brown, legless grubs with tough, leathery skin, growing up to 4cm long. They live in the soil and feed on grass roots from autumn through to late spring. You can find them by digging in damaged areas.

How do I get rid of leatherjackets in my lawn?

The most effective organic treatment is applying parasitic nematodes (Steinernema feltiae) in September-October when the larvae are young and near the surface. Water thoroughly before and after application. At Ransley Pro Grow, we recommend this biological approach as it's effective and environmentally friendly.

When is the best time to treat leatherjackets?

Early autumn (September-October) is the ideal time to apply nematode treatment, as the leatherjackets are small and near the soil surface. Soil temperature must be above 12°C for nematodes to be active. Treatment later in the season is less effective as larvae grow larger and move deeper.

How do I know if I have chafer grubs?

Signs include brown patches that lift up easily like a carpet because the roots are destroyed. Wildlife damage from animals digging for grubs is a strong indicator. Dig in affected areas to find the characteristic C-shaped white grubs with tan-brown heads. They're larger than leatherjackets, reaching 15-20mm.

How do I get rid of chafer grubs in my lawn?

Apply nematodes (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) between July and September when grubs are young and soil is warm. Water thoroughly before and after. This biological control is the most effective treatment available. At Ransley Pro Grow, we can advise on timing and application for your area.

What's the difference between chafer grubs and leatherjackets?

Chafer grubs are C-shaped white grubs with legs and a brown head, while leatherjackets are grey-brown, legless, and cylindrical. Both damage lawns by eating roots, but they require different nematode species for control and have different treatment windows.

Why is my lawn full of moss?

Moss thrives where grass struggles. Common causes include shade, poor drainage, compacted soil, low fertility, mowing too short, and acidic soil. Often multiple factors combine. At Ransley Pro Grow, we recommend addressing these underlying conditions alongside moss treatment for lasting results.

What is the best moss killer for lawns?

Ferrous sulphate (iron sulphate) is the most effective moss killer, often sold as lawn sand. It kills moss, feeds the grass, and slightly acidifies the soil. Apply in spring or autumn when moss is actively growing, then scarify 10-14 days later to remove dead moss. We stock effective moss killers in our shop.

How do I permanently get rid of moss in my lawn?

Killing moss is easy, but it will return unless you address why it grew. Improve drainage through aeration, reduce shade where possible, feed regularly to strengthen grass, and avoid mowing too short. For persistent shade, consider our shade-tolerant grass seed varieties.

Ransley

Pro Grow

Expert Lawn Care Guide

Common Lawn Problems & Solutions

Identify and treat lawn diseases, pests, and problems with expert advice from Ransley Pro Grow. Our comprehensive guide helps you diagnose issues and restore your lawn to perfect health.

Fungal Diseases

Pests & Grubs

Moss & Drainage

Mushrooms & Fungi

LOW SEVERITY

Autumn

Late Summer

Toadstools & Mushrooms in Lawn

Fungi appearing on your lawn, often in rings or clusters

HIGH SEVERITY

Autumn

Winter

Early Spring

Fusarium Patch (Snow Mould)

A fungal disease causing circular brown patches, common in autumn and winter

MEDIUM SEVERITY

Late Spring

Summer

Early Autumn

Red Thread Disease

Pink or red thread-like growths on grass blades, common in summer

MEDIUM SEVERITY

Late Summer

Autumn

Lawn Rust Disease

Orange or yellow powdery coating on grass blades

MEDIUM SEVERITY

Late Spring

Summer

Early Autumn

Dollar Spot Disease

Small circular straw-coloured patches resembling silver dollars

LOW SEVERITY

Late Spring

Summer

Autumn

Slime Mould on Lawn

Colourful slimy or powdery growth appearing on grass

MEDIUM SEVERITY

Summer

Autumn

Fairy Rings

Circular rings of dark green grass or dead patches with mushrooms

HIGH SEVERITY

Summer

Autumn

Take-All Patch

Bronze or reddish-brown patches that don't recover with feeding

HIGH SEVERITY

Autumn

Winter

Spring

Leatherjackets (Crane Fly Larvae)

Grey-brown grubs that eat grass roots causing yellow patches

HIGH SEVERITY

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Chafer Grubs

C-shaped white grubs that destroy grass roots

MEDIUM SEVERITY

All Year

Worst in Autumn/Winter

Moss in Lawns

Green or yellow spongy growth taking over grass

Can't Find Your Lawn Problem?

Our team at Ransley Pro Grow has over 70 years of experience diagnosing and treating lawn problems. Contact us with photos of your lawn issue and we'll provide expert advice tailored to your situation.

About Ransley Pro Grow Lawn Care Expertise

At Ransley Pro Grow, we've been helping gardeners across the UK achieve beautiful, healthy lawns since 1951. Our comprehensive guide to lawn problems draws on decades of hands-on experience diagnosing and treating everything from common fungal diseases like fusarium and red thread to persistent pest problems including leatherjackets and chafer grubs.

Whether you're dealing with mysterious brown patches, unsightly mushrooms, or a moss invasion, our expert advice and professional-grade products can help restore your lawn to its former glory. We supply premium grass seed, effective moss killers, quality fertilisers, and specialist treatments to tackle any lawn problem.