Pink Patch & Red Thread Lawn Diseases: Cultural Control for Pink Fungus

Pink cottony growth or red threads in dying grass signal two distinct fungal diseases driven by weather — not fixable by fungicides alone.

Pink Patch (Limonomyces roseipelli)

• Slow-growing; tan-to-pink circular patches (2–4 inches).
• Less damaging; appears in cool, wet conditions.

Red Thread (Laetisaria fuciformis)

• Red/pink thread-like strands among blades.
• Faster spread; more damaging; thrives in drier conditions than pink patch.
• Common in spring and fall.

Management (Culture Over Chemicals)

• Soil pH 6.5–7.0 before sodding.
• Water deeply, infrequently, morning only.
• Prune for light penetration; aerate and dethatch for airflow.
• Spring fertilize with adequate nitrogen — both diseases favor nitrogen-poor soil.

Fungicides rarely needed; good cultivation minimizes both.