Red Thread

Red thread infects the leaves of grasses causing irregular patches of blighted turf with a pink or red tinge.

Red thread is common in spring and autumn, usually when nitrogen levels are low. It can be easily identified by red patches which grow on infected grasses. At first grass looks wet, then dies and turns pink/red.

Fungal diseases on lawns are exacerbated by stress caused by draught, poor drainage, low soil fertility, soil pH and excessively low cutting.

• Treat with LawnPro Fungus Control.
• LawnPro Mossclear can be used to control red thread in lawns. It will kill the spores of the fungus and prevent spread.
• Only once control has been achieved, feed the lawn well with LawnPro 7-Day-Green fertiliser to encourage healthy grass growth without high nitrogen.
• Fungal diseases on lawns are exacerbated by stress caused by drought, poor drainage, low soil fertility, soil pH and excessively low cutting. Try to address any ways that your lawn may be under stress; improve drainage if over wet, water if over dry, adjust soil pH to 6.5-7.0 or raise the cutting height of your lawn mower.
• To repair damaged areas apply LawnPro Smart Patch Mix, LawnPro Smart Lawn Seed or LawnPro Lawn Thickener to the affected areas.
• Apply LawnPro D-Thatch to reduce the excessive lawn thatch that may have encouraged the red thread fungus.

• Healthy Lawns and Grasses Technical Sheet
• Download your Kiwicare Lawn Maintenance Calendar
• Glossary of Gardening Terms

• Red thread is caused by the fungus Laetisaria fuciformis.