Identifying and Controlling Lawn Diseases Early

As temperatures cool and rainfall increases, autumn brings more than just falling leaves — it also creates perfect conditions for turf diseases to thrive. Two of the most common culprits in UK lawns are red thread and fusarium patch. Both can cause unsightly damage, weaken your lawn’s resilience, and undo all the hard work invested through spring and summer.

At Shrekfeet, we believe prevention is just as important as treatment. Understanding the early signs of disease and acting quickly can make all the difference in keeping your lawn lush, green, and healthy year-round.

Common Autumn Lawn Diseases

🌱 Red Thread

Red thread is one of the most widespread lawn diseases in the UK, especially in lawns low in nitrogen. You’ll notice:

  • Pale or pinkish patches of grass that gradually expand
  • Fine red or coral-coloured threads appearing on the grass blades

Although red thread rarely kills the grass, it weakens it significantly — leaving your lawn looking tired and patchy. The good news? It’s highly manageable when identified early.

🍂 Fusarium Patch (Snow Mould)

Fusarium patch tends to appear after prolonged damp or foggy conditions, particularly when temperatures are mild. Symptoms include:

  • Slimy orange-brown patches that spread quickly in cool, wet conditions
  • Affected grass that may develop a matted, greasy appearance
  • A lingering musty smell in heavily infected areas

Unlike red thread, fusarium can kill grass plants if left untreated, leading to long-term thinning and bare patches.

Why Autumn Is High-Risk for Lawns

Autumn’s cooler temperatures, morning dew, and reduced daylight hours create a perfect storm for fungal spores to spread. Lawns also experience increased shade and reduced growth rate, making them slower to recover from damage. Without proactive care, these small patches can quickly spread and become difficult to control by winter.

Shrekfeet’s Approach: Tackling Cause and Symptom

At Shrekfeet, we don’t just treat what you see — we focus on what’s happening beneath the surface. Our integrated disease control programme combines expert diagnosis with sustainable treatments to prevent reoccurrence.

Our approach includes:

  • Targeted fungicidal or biological treatments for immediate control
  • Balanced lawn nutrition, ensuring optimal nitrogen and micronutrient levels
  • Improved airflow and drainage to reduce moisture build-up
  • Thatch management, minimising the organic layer where disease thrives
  • Enhanced soil biology, supporting beneficial microbes that naturally outcompete pathogens

This holistic method ensures your lawn recovers faster and builds natural resistance over time — all without over-reliance on harsh chemicals.

Why Homeowners and Businesses Trust Shrekfeet

From residential lawns to commercial landscapes, our customers rely on Shrekfeet’s expertise to keep their green spaces vibrant and healthy throughout the seasons. By combining science, sustainability, and care, we help you enjoy a lawn that looks good and grows stronger every year.

🌿 Book a Lawn Health Check

If you’ve noticed unusual patches or discolouration, don’t wait until spring to act.
Book a Shrekfeet Lawn Health Check today — we’ll inspect your lawn, identify any signs of disease, and recommend a tailored plan to protect it through autumn and winter.