Fairy Rings: Hidden Lawn Killer?
Dr. Russell Sharp explains what fairy rings are, why they become visible after droughts, and how their hydrophobic exudates and waxy residues can cause grass death and uneven growth on lawns and sports turf.
He outlines practical management: maintain irrigation, reduce thatch, use wetting agents, consider spot applications of lime sulfur as an organic soil sterilant, and reseed damaged areas. Fungicides are of limited use for soil fungi, so targeted, cautious treatments and cultural control are recommended.