What are witch rings and how do they form?

Witch rings are ring-shaped phenomena in the lawn. There are three different types, but they all have the same cause.

Organic matter in the soil is usually decomposed by a network of fungi, so-called mycelia. This fungal network can spread in a ring, and fungi form in the right weather conditions. The reason for this is often nutrient-poor and sandy soils. The witch rings can develop all year round;

How do the different types differ?

Type 1:
This fungal disease kills or severely damages the grass. Two visible rings develop: the first ring consists of grass with dark green growth, in the middle of which a ring of bare patches of dead grass develops. Small yellow-brown mushrooms grow on the outer ring in late summer.

Type 2:
Rings with dark green grass or stronger growth appear here, but without the additional ring of dried grass. Occasionally you can see the fruiting bodies of the mushroom (stand or leaf mushrooms) accompanying it.

Type 3:
This type of fungus is the most harmless. Only fruiting bodies of the fungus form in rings.


How can witch rings be combated?

The underground fungal network should be deeply pierced or torn apart with a spade or digging fork. The infested areas should be watered intensively. To make the water more fluid, the use of wetting agents or surfactants (organic detergents) is recommended. This will moisten the mycelium more quickly. Lawn thatch should also be combated. Scarifying and a light Sanding help here. Our Turbogreen lawn aerator very good for reducing thatch. If this is not enough, the soil may need to be replaced;

In principle, the following also helps here: regular fertilization, the application of Turbogreen Watermanager, watering and preventing thatch by using Turbogreen lawn aerators.