Bowling Green FAQ 3: Patches on green

We had a significant number of small yellow patches and spots which have now enlarged into irregular bigger patches. The green isn’t dead but is generally an unsightly light green to yellowish colour over these areas.

It is quite possible that these are clumps of annual meadow grass stressing or the grass is affected by anthracnose disease. Inspect the turf closely to try and confirm if the grass is annual meadow grass and also to see if the effected grass can be easily pulled out and if there are any small black speckles at the base of the stems, which would indicate anthracnose as well.

If there are fine white threads on the surface (mycelium) then it is possible that there is also some superficial fairy ring activity. If no white threads are present but the surface is slightly depressed in these areas, this would indicate thatch has been degraded slightly by the superficial fairy ring.

Aeration and scarification would want to be considered to try and alleviate some of the conditions, along with a suitable fertiliser, without forcing growth though. If anthracnose is diagnosed, then the application of an approved fungicide might be considered.